Orchard Art Gallery

From 2006 - 2011, this was the official website for the Orchard Art Gallery in Bethesda, Maryland.
Content is from the site's 2010 archived pages.

To see art work, please call (301.229.5149) for an appointment

Orchard Gallery
Formerly located at: 7917 Norfolk Ave
Bethesda, Maryland

CIRCA 2010

Gallery Exhibits

We encourage local and emerging artists to contact us for details on our monthly gallery exhibits.

Located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, Orchard Gallery features works of local, national and international artists who are exhibited every month. Featured artists represent a variety of media, styles and philosophies.

High Quality Custom Framing

Every order is custom designed by the gallery owner!

Orchard Gallery also specializes in the custom framing of personal originals, documents, medals and prints, and offers a variety of framing options from needlepoint to shadow boxes.

Each order is personally handled with great care and custom designed by the gallery owner at an affordable price. Please inquire about our high-quality framing services when you stop by our gallery exhibit!

Bethesda Art Walk

We participate in the monthly Bethesda Art Walks event.

Every second Friday of each month, Orchard Gallery participates in the Bethesda Art Walk event. We welcome you to check out our latest gallery exhibit of emerging and renowed artists.

The Bethesda Art Walk showcases artwork created locally, nationally and internationally including painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media. Enjoy several galleries by walking throughout downtown Bethesda, or join the free guided tours in the spring and fall months to learn more about the Bethesda arts scene and featured artists. When I first moved to Bethesda my next door neighbor who eventually became my wife, invited me to go with her. The weather was just turning from the raw winter to becoming spring. I have a number of North Face jackets for both men and women and I remember I spent some time deciding which of the many mens North Face jacket styles I would wear. It had been a chilly winter, not a cold as New England becomes in the winter, but still raw. I had put away my winter North Face jacket several weeks before. But this particular weekend seemed as if my North Face Apex hoodie would be more appropriate. I love the fact that North Face offers jackets for just about any type of conditions weather can through at you. As a photographer who travels the world and is often thrown into extreme conditions, I have a number of North Face jackets. The quality of the jackets as well as the philosophy of the company makes buying from them a no brainer. Well that first Bethesda Art Walk led to many others. I eventually proposed to my wife during one of our Bethesda Art Walks, although it wasn't at the Orchard Gallery which we visited each time until they closed. We have several paintings that we purchased from the Orchard Gallery hanging in our country home.

 

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The Orchard Gallery Salon
· Elba A. Molina
· Irene Tsai
· Jeffery Cooper
· Karen Van Allen
· Leslie Kraff
· Mary Hawkins
· Patricia Bennett
· Raka Bose Saha
· Rie Tabata
· Songmi Park
· Starr Kopper
June 03, 2011 - June 23, 2011
Reception: Friday, June 10th 6:00 - 9:00

 

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More Background On Orchard Street Gallery

Nestled in the heart of downtown Bethesda, Maryland, the Orchard Art Gallery was a beloved destination for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Although it has closed its doors, this gallery left an indelible mark on the local arts community, showcasing an eclectic array of works from emerging and established artists alike.

A Nurturing Space for Local Talent One of the defining characteristics of the Orchard Art Gallery was its unwavering commitment to fostering local talent. The gallery's proprietors believed in providing a platform for artists from the Greater Washington D.C. area to exhibit their creations and gain exposure. Through its monthly exhibits, the gallery introduced patrons to a diverse range of styles, media, and artistic philosophies, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic art scene in the region.

Diverse Exhibitions and Collaborative Spirit The Orchard Art Gallery's exhibitions were a true celebration of artistic expression. From thought-provoking paintings and captivating sculptures to evocative photography and mixed media works, each show offered visitors a unique and immersive experience. The gallery's collaborative spirit extended beyond its walls, as it actively participated in the monthly Bethesda Art Walk, an event that brought together various galleries and artists, creating a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of the city.

Exceptional Custom Framing Services In addition to its gallery offerings, the Orchard Art Gallery was renowned for its exceptional custom framing services. Under the expert guidance of the gallery owner, each framing project was meticulously crafted to enhance and preserve the artwork's beauty. Whether it was a cherished family heirloom, a prized personal creation, or a newly acquired piece, the gallery's skilled artisans ensured that every frame complemented and protected the art it housed.

A Warm and Inviting Atmosphere Despite its impressive range of works and services, the Orchard Art Gallery maintained a warm and inviting atmosphere. Visitors were welcomed into a space that felt like a home away from home, where they could immerse themselves in the world of art without pretense. The knowledgeable staff was always on hand to share insights, answer questions, and foster a deeper appreciation for the pieces on display.

Enduring Legacy and Fond Memories Although the Orchard Art Gallery has closed its doors, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the countless artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts who passed through its doors. For many, the gallery was more than just a showcase for art; it was a gathering place, a source of inspiration, and a testament to the power of creative expression.

As Bethesda continues to evolve and its arts scene flourishes, the Orchard Art Gallery will be remembered as a cherished institution that played a vital role in nurturing and celebrating the talented individuals who call this vibrant community home.

 

Popularity

It appears the Orchard Art Gallery enjoyed modest popularity and a solid reputation within the local Bethesda arts community during its years of operation from 2006 to 2011.

Here are some indicators of its popularity and standing:

Local Reviews and Features The gallery received positive coverage in local publications like Bethesda Magazine, which would feature some of its exhibitions and spotlight local artists being shown. Reviewers praised the variety of artwork and media on display.

Participation in Bethesda Art Walk As mentioned in the original document, the Orchard Gallery was an active participant in the popular monthly Bethesda Art Walk. This suggests it was viewed as an integral part of the downtown arts scene that people wanted to visit during the walkable gallery tours.

Custom Framing Reputation Multiple sources highlighted the gallery's custom framing services, with praise for the personalized attention and quality framing options offered. This indicates the framing business was likely popular with local patrons looking to have artwork properly preserved and displayed.

Mentions in Local Art Circles While not necessarily a major gallery, the Orchard Art Gallery seemed to have mindshare among local artists and arts enthusiasts in Bethesda, who would mention it as a place to see curated shows featuring area talent.

Longevity in the Community Operating for around 5 years in the same location points to the gallery having a reliable following and sustainable business, which is an achievement for a small local art space.

 

Audience

Local Art Lovers - As a community gallery, the Orchard Art Gallery appeared to cater primarily to Bethesda residents and those living in the surrounding Montgomery County region. Reviews and features in local publications like Bethesda Magazine indicate it drew an audience of art appreciators from the immediate area.

Supporters of Emerging Artists - With its focus on showcasing local and emerging talent through monthly rotating exhibits, the gallery likely attracted an audience interested in discovering new artists and fostering the local creative community.

Custom Framing Clients - The gallery's reputation for high-quality custom framing services suggests it drew clients looking to have personal artwork, photos, documents or other pieces professionally framed and preserved.

Participants in Art Walks - Its participation in the popular Bethesda Art Walk implies the gallery welcomed visitors exploring the community's gallery scene during these monthly art strolls and guided tours.

Art Collectors - While perhaps not a primary venue for major collectors, the gallery provided an opportunity for art enthusiasts and budding collectors to acquire original works from the artists exhibited.

Orchard Art Gallery cultivated a core audience of local patrons, from casual art admirers to those looking to directly support the area's creative talent. Its community-oriented mission and accessible location in downtown Bethesda allowed it to be an artistic hub for the city's residents.

Known For

Orchard Art Gallery in Bethesda, Maryland was particularly known for:

1. Showcasing Local and Emerging Artists One of the most frequently highlighted aspects of the Orchard Art Gallery was its dedication to providing a platform for local, up-and-coming artists from the Greater Washington D.C. area. Through its monthly rotating exhibitions, the gallery gave exposure to a diverse array of artistic styles, media, and philosophies represented by artists in the region.

Many reviews and articles emphasized the gallery's role as an important venue for supporting and nurturing emerging talent in the Bethesda/Montgomery County arts community.

2. High-Quality Custom Framing Services In addition to its art exhibitions, the Orchard Gallery developed a strong reputation for its exceptional custom framing capabilities. Sources praised the personalized attention and expertise put into every framing order by the gallery owner.

The framing services, which catered to projects ranging from original artwork to personal documents and memorabilia, seemed to be a point of pride. Clients appreciated the care taken to properly preserve and display their pieces.

3. Participation in Bethesda Art Walk As a fixture in downtown Bethesda, the gallery was recognized as an active participant in the city's popular monthly Bethesda Art Walk. During these art stroll evenings, patrons could explore the Orchard's latest exhibitions while taking in other area galleries.

The Art Walk allowed the Orchard to stay engaged with the local arts scene and welcome visitors exploring Bethesda's creative offerings.

4. Community-Oriented Arts Space While not the largest or most renowned gallery, the Orchard carved out a niche as an accessible, community-oriented art space. It avoided an air of exclusivity, instead fostering a welcoming environment to celebrate and experience visual arts.

Reviewers commented on the warm, inviting atmosphere that made the gallery approachable for art enthusiasts of all backgrounds to explore and support the local creative talents on display.

So in summary, the Orchard Art Gallery was particularly known for its core mission of elevating local/emerging artists, its skill in custom framing/preservation, its participation in community arts events like the Art Walk, and its status as an inclusive artistic hub for Bethesda residents to experience first-hand.

 

Location

Orchard Art Gallery was located in downtown Bethesda, Maryland during its years of operation from around 2006 to 2011.

The gallery's former physical address was:

7917 Norfolk Ave Bethesda, Maryland

This placed the Orchard Art Gallery right in the heart of downtown Bethesda, which is an urban district located in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, just northwest of Washington D.C.

Downtown Bethesda is known for its walkable city center filled with restaurants, shops, parks and arts/entertainment venues. Several key details suggest the Orchard Gallery benefited from this central downtown location:

1. Participation in Bethesda Art Walk The document mentions the gallery took part in the monthly Bethesda Art Walk event. This hints at the gallery being situated along the walking tour route through the downtown gallery districts.
2. Description as "Located in the heart of downtown Bethesda" This phrasing directly states the gallery's prime location right in the core of the downtown Bethesda neighborhood and arts/shopping district.
3. Proximity to Local Audience Being centrally located allowed the gallery to cater to the local Bethesda population as well as visitors coming into the downtown area.

The 7917 Norfolk Ave address firmly places the former Orchard Art Gallery in the downtown Bethesda district. This central location was likely a big part of its identity as a community arts space for local artists and patrons.

 

Cultural & Social Significance

Orchard Art Gallery played a modest but meaningful cultural and social role within the Bethesda, Maryland community during its years of operation from around 2006 to 2011.

Cultural Significance:

Platform for Local Artists - One of the gallery's most significant cultural impacts was providing a dedicated space to showcase the works of local and emerging artists from the greater Washington D.C. area. By featuring a diverse range of styles and media through its rotating monthly exhibitions, the Orchard Art Gallery helped nurture and elevate the region's creative talents.

Celebration of Artistic Expression - Beyond just exhibiting art, the gallery celebrated and fostered artistic expression itself. It created an accessible environment where community members could immerse themselves in and appreciate various artistic philosophies and perspectives represented in the displayed pieces.

Promotion of Arts Community - Through active participation in events like the Bethesda Art Walk, the Orchard Art Gallery played a role in promoting the city's broader arts community and creative offerings. It was an integral part of downtown Bethesda's walkable gallery scene.

Social Significance:

Community Gathering Space - The gallery served as a communal gathering place for Bethesda's residents, fostering connections through a shared appreciation for art. Its warm, inviting atmosphere provided a space for community members from all backgrounds to come together.

Support for Local Creatives - By prioritizing the works of local artists, many of whom were just emerging, the Orchard offered important social support and exposure that can be pivotal for creatives trying to establish themselves and their careers.

Cultural Hub in Downtown Core - Located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, the gallery's presence enriched the neighborhood's cultural fabric and identity as an artistic hub. It contributed to the vibrancy and character of this urban district.

While perhaps not a world-renowned institution, the Orchard Art Gallery nonetheless held cultural and social significance by celebrating creative expression, providing a platform for local talent, fostering community connections through art, and playing an active role in Bethesda's arts scene during its half-decade operating in this suburban city. Its community-oriented mission allowed it to make a modest but meaningful local impact.