Opening Reception – Dana DeKalb: No Lifeguard on Duty

Come out and celebrate with us at the Opening Reception, concurrent with the Reception for Tiffany Schmierer: Aggregate Vision. Stop by any time Saturday, November 14th, between 1 and 4 pm, to greet the artists, enjoy the light refreshments and check out the new work in the gallery. Ride share in or free street parking along West Grand Ave. and in the nearby neighborhood south of West Grand.

Dana DeKalb: No Lifeguard on Duty
November 12 – January 16, 2027

In No Lifeguard on Duty, Dana DeKalb presents a series of quietly surreal scenes that draw on the familiar imagery of summer, swimming, and seaside leisure. Painted in acrylic on canvas, the works have the look and feel of vintage illustrations or photographs, with carefully posed figures, soft colors, and an understated sense of nostalgia. Yet something is askew. The settings and interactions, while seemingly familiar, carry an air of mystery and quiet absurdity.

The title, No Lifeguard on Duty, sets the tone. Beneath the calm surfaces and nostalgic appeal, there is a subtle awareness that we may be on our own. DeKalb’s paintings balance humor and unease, leaving the viewer to consider what might be happening just beyond the edges of these carefully constructed scenes.