Since its launch three years ago, DRV Gallery has become a vibrant hub for some of the region’s most dynamic visual and performance artists. Located on Gulfport Boulevard, the gallery hosts artist openings, live music events, and creative workshops in its popular showroom and event space. The collection features work from nearly 15 award-winning visual artists across various mediums, and its First Friday art openings and live music performances have established themselves as must-see events on the local creative calendar.
Deserie Valloreo, founder of the gallery, is an artist and professional musician who also advocates for wellness and operates her own corporate wellness business. She holds certifications as a nutrition coach, personal trainer, clinical herbalist, and yoga instructor. This season, she plans to combine her passions by offering a series of nutritional and educational workshops at the gallery.
“My job in life is to become the best version of me I can be, and to assist others in doing the same,” says Valloreo. “Through preparation and discipline, I empower myself to pursue many interests, and I am excited to creatively fuse these interests with our exceptional visual and performing arts to create a truly unique experience for our wonderful community.”
The gallery will launch its new season on Friday, October 3rd, with an opening reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. featuring the work of metalsmith Eric Folsom. Folsom’s unique creations have earned awards at Florida CraftArt, the Morean Arts Center, and various shows throughout the region. Live music will be provided by Southview Arts Founder Jim Gilmour and Friends. First Fridays at DRV Gallery are free events and open to the public.
DRV Gallery will host its first creative workshop of the season on Saturday, October 4th, from 1 to 3 p.m. Valloreo will lead Cork Crafts for Autumn, a family-friendly workshop designed for participants aged 12 and over to create autumn-themed decorations using cork. Registration for this and all other events can be completed on the gallery’s website at DRVGallery.com.
On Saturday, October 11th, Valloreo will introduce Nutrition for a Healthy Life, a six-session series of workshops aimed at assisting people achieve ideal body weight and a better quality of life. The event and series will run on second Saturdays each month from October to March from 10 to 11 a.m.
Gulfport Rising, a presentation of stories and art reflecting on last year’s devastating hurricanes, will open at DRV Gallery on Saturday, October 18th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The exhibition shares its name with a recently published book by artist and writer Lynn Taylor, who will be on-hand for readings and a book-signing of her work. Gulfport Rising is a free community event and will feature an art showcase by over 30 contributing artists who were directly or indirectly affected by the storms.
For more information about gallery events and artists, and to shop the works of DRV Gallery artists, visit DRVGallery.com. Follow the gallery on social media at @drvgallery on Facebook and @drvgallery22 on Instagram.
