When I set out to team up with my husband James to commit my professional life to Bell-ans, I knew there would be challenges. We are managing a very large property, one of the largest vintage factories in Rockland County, New York, a beautiful lawn, a barn, stables, historic houses, and more.
We are maintaining roads, literally, that meander through the property. We are paying taxes, we are serving tenants, we are resisting “selling out” in order to keep this beautiful place intact for generations to come.
Over the years, businesses and artists have come and gone, though many of our tenants have been with use for decades. A few decades ago, we were known for UDELCO, one of the hippest apparel shops in history, with their famous recycled jeans.
The spaces continue to morph and evolve, as the main building moves through its own history – it is a living, breathing thing!
And the new heart in that building? It is the V°LITION Gallery, and it is of my own volition that we built it last year, creating a clean, white, sunny, sensual space where fine artists can share their paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The little “o” after the V? It stands for exponential opportunity and creativity.
V°LITION is alive with people gathering, practicing yoga, reading poetry, playing music, sharing their energy and ideas. I dream of opening additional galleries in Chelsea, Miami, and Palermo…
All this is of My Own Volition, a very personal decision to dedicate my life to bringing people together to create things and share their passions. Supported by my husband James and his mother Catherine; supported by my mother and dad and family including my son Andrew; cheered on by old friends and new – I am pursuing my dream to help others’ dreams come true.
This is the first post to this blog for a reason. Beyond the physical boundaries of Bell-ans, I also wish to share story and after story – painting after painting – poem after poem…to extend this very special place to the entire world.
I welcome you!
With love and gratitude,
Phyllis