By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Gallery U Boutique is an eclectic art gallery and shopping boutique located in downtown Westfield. They exist as an extension of Universal Institute, Inc., also known as UlRehab, and are a vocational training site providing work opportunities and housing for adult clients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries.
Clients work in all aspects of the gallery business, from processing inventory to creating artwork of their own, and having their own shows in the gallery. In addition to the art done by clients, Gallery U Boutique carries a striking blend of exclusive, hand selected items from designer collections as well as curated art and items by local artists and artisans. Locals can shop for jewelry, clothing, perfumes, eye glass cases, and stationery. They can also purchase the client produced artwork.
Housing is upstairs from the gallery where clients live in gorgeous two-bedroom apartments which have a window view of downtown Westfield.
Sited in the Root Building for the past four years, there are some changes coming in 2018. Gallery U, located at 439 South Avenue West, Westfield, New Jersey will be leaving the location by the end of July. Their goal is to centralize all their operations at their Livingston campus.
One of the major reasons for the move is the parking issue. There aren’t many spaces; and there are no spots for handicapped parking. However, Deneise Hyatt-Murad, director of gallery/retail operations, said that Mayor Shelley Brindle was supportive of the situation, which makes her feel it will remedy the next business that moves into the building.
Over the past four years, Gallery U put the spotlight on various local artists, musicians, authors, and poets. Exhibits were always on display.
“We’ve had a lot of support from Westfield,” said Hyatt-Murad. “Our clients love coming here. When we move we will create a beautiful space to work in and live in.”
The last two 2018 events prior to the move will be:
Forsaken Public Show
March 30 to May 4
Call to: All local emerging and established artists
Submissions accepted until March 12
Artists’ Reception: Friday, April 6
Finale, Public Show
May 11 to June 15
Call to: Any artist who has participated in a previous Gallery U exhibition
Submissions March 12 to April 16
Artists’ Reception: Friday, May 18
For more information visit: facebook.com/GalleryUBoutiqueWestfield or call 908-232-1895. To send submissions, email Deneise at: deneise.hyatt-murad@uirehab.com
(above) Gallery U.
Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
(above) Deneise Hyatt-Murad, director of gallery/retail operations.
Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
