Dacia Gallery

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RESIDENCY DATES
October 2-7, 2023 
 
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, August 31, 2023 @ Midnight
 
 ELIGIBILITY
Open to all Visual Artists
Beginning & Advanced Level Artists Accepted
 
 
To Register Scroll to Bottom of Page
 
Residency Description: Dacia Gallery is pleased to announce its Artist Residency Program in New York City. The painting intensive program will comprise of drawing and painting the figure from life, guest lecturers, a business of art course and gallery visits. Additionally, Dacia Gallery will host a group exhibition of your artwork created during the program. The Art Studio is located in the heart of New York City among all the major galleries in the city, providing maximum exposure to today’s contemporary art scene. Art walks will be taken during opening receptions to explore today’s contemporary art scene. Your time is meant to be productive, illuminating and memorable.
 
Invitation to Artists: The Artist Residency is open to all visual artists and will accommodate all levels of experience, from the beginner, who is seeking to develop basic skills, to the advanced artist, who may be interested in insights into the instructor’s approach and practices. Artists living in New York, national and international artists are invited to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity to study and paint with master artists in NYC, if you are interested in participating register today. 
 
What to Expect: Artists will meet daily at our Artist Studio under teacher instruction. Art classes will alternate between figure painting, the business of art, guest speakers and gallery visits. Your week is structured to guarantee that you produce new work and improve your painting skills. You will meet professionals in the art world and develop your network, make new artist friends and have fun in and outside of the studio.
 
Art Exhibition: It’s your moment in the spotlight. On the last Saturday night of the program from 5-8pm Dacia Gallery will host a formal Opening Reception & Exhibition presenting your work in a group show that is open to the public. Lee Vasu, the founder and curator of Dacia Gallery, will be on hand to help each artist prepare for the show. Once the public has arrived, each participating artist will give an artist talk to the assembled crowd outlining the featured artwork and methodology to collectors, artists, gallerists and the admiring public.
 
Bring a Friend: While the artists work daily in an exclusive group setting, artists can bring a friend or spouse to accompany them to New York if you are from out of town, share housing and participate in our out-of-class events. This will be an exciting arts adventure and good to share with someone.
 
COURSES & ITINERARY
 
Figure Painting Intensive: Monday - Thursday, 10am - 4pm: Class will focus on painting from the live model. Pose lengths will vary from short to long, and each student will produce a body of work, focusing under instructor guidance on different aspects of the figure, such as form, light, shape, distribution of force, mood, and personality. The aspects discussed will aid the student to develop three fundamental elements of figurative drawing and painting: the technique of drawing, the skill of seeing the figure, and the introduction of life into a painting. The class will also include short lectures, instructor demonstrations, extended painting sessions, and personalized critique of the work produced, with suggestions for future practice. We will be working with oil on canvas. The instructor is present during all classes, assisting each artist during this intensive figure-painting course.
 
The Business of Art: Monday evening we feature a lecture course on the business of art. Clarifying to artists the inner workings of the art world and how to successfully market one's artistic career to achieve representation by a gallery or an arts institution. We will discuss how to advertise and market your work, how to establish prices and how to approach a gallery for a solo or group exhibition. Professionalism and presentation is of utmost importance and we want to prepare you for all the ups and downs of what it takes to successfully exhibit your artwork. While we focus on the New York art scene, the skills you learn here are applicable to galleries anywhere.
 
Gallery Walk: Most New York galleries hold their openings on Thursday nights and we will explore the galleries in the East Village and Lower East Side. This is a chance to view the works of famous artists, meet gallerists, socialize with like-minded art goers and be an integral part of the inspiring art scene of New York City. 
 
Open Studio: Friday is designated as an open studio day to complete your paintings. The instructor will be present to give full support and instruction to the resident artists to complete all artwork for exhibition.
 
Art Exhibition: On the Saturday night of the residency from 6-9pm Dacia Gallery will host a formal Opening Reception & Exhibition presenting your work in a group show that is open to the public.
 
 
RESIDENCY INSTRUCTORS
 
Billy Seccombe: His work combines academic realism with a hint of playful theatrics utilizing costuming, patterns, impasto textures, and vibrant colors.  His paintings examine empowerment, fashion, and seek to capture small moments.  Seccombe's work as a painter has been hung in various galleries across the United States and has been recognized with awards and honors.  He is a member of the renowned Portrait Society of America and is an instructor of painting and drawing at DuCret School of Art in Plainfield, NJ.  He currently resides in Metuchen, NJ with his wife and two children. For more info on Billy Seccombe please visit www.billyseccombe.com
 
Lee Vasu: Vasu is an Artist, Iconographer, Curator and the Founder of Dacia Gallery in New York City. Born in Sibiu, Romania in 1979, Vasu spent his adventurous childhood in Transylvania drawing and painting. Inspired by the stunning mosaics, frescos, and the mystical sacred Icons of the Byzantine Churches of his native land, Vasu formed a unique artistic vision of the timelessness and power of art. In 1990, Vasu moved to the United States with his family and continued to study art. He received a BA in History and Art from Kent Sate University and a Masters Degree in Arts Administration and Museum Science from the University of Akron, to further pursue his curatorial passion. Following his studies, Lee represented Romania and the United States at the European House of Arts and held his first solo exhibition at the Academy of Arts and Sciences in Bucharest. Additionally, Vasu participated in group and solo exhibitions in France, Germany, Slovenia, Romania and the United States, his work can be found in numerous public and private collections. His passion for art enabled him to curate exhibitions nationally and internationally, which inspired him to establish Dacia Gallery in New York City. For more info on Lee Vasu and to see his artwork visit: www.leevasu.com
 
ACCOMPANYING INFO
 
Arrival in NYC for October 2023 Session: Artists need to arrive in New York City by: (Sunday, October 1, 2023) Students meet each other on the respective Sunday evening at 5pm at Dacia Gallery where a formal introduction and a festive welcome reception will be held.
 
Housing: Artists are responsible for their own housing accomodation during the time of the residency program in NYC. Previous artists have used airbnb.com to find affordable accommodations. Typically, airbnb.com is the best resource for temporary accommodations in NYC. Most artists have stayed in the East Village and Lower East Side, SoHo and Chinatown, everything is close by and the gallery is conveniently located in the middle of all these neighborhoods. The gallery address in 621 E. 11th St. New York, NY 10009.
 
Airport: There are three major airports where artists can fly into New York: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Artists are responsible for the cost and booking of their flights to and from New York.
 
Art Materials: Artists must bring their own art supplies. Once you have registered for the artist residency, we will provide you with a materials list and art supplies stores in Manhattan.
 
Artist Residency Fee: $1,200 per session.
 
Payment: In order to reserve your spot, please select from the options below and make a payment to register. Once payment has been made your spot is automatically reserved in the residency and a Dacia Representative will contact you to discuss the workshop with you. There is no refund one month before the residency begins because we will have already paid for all the residency needs. Upon clicking submit and making the first payment the artist agrees with Dacia Gallery's terms and conditions for payment. The balance must be paid in full before the residency begins.
 
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ARTIST REGISTRATION
 
To register select an option below and the website will take you to our online registration form. You may upload up to 10 examples of your artwork and your bio or resume.
 
Option 1: To register and make payment of $500 via Credit Card, Click Here
 
Option 2: To register and make full payment of $1,200 via Credit Card, Click Here
 
After you complete your electronic registration you will be re-directed to PayPal for payment. Please e-mail us a copy of your PayPal receipt once your payment has been made. If you have any questions regarding the residency, payments or registration please email or call the gallery at any time.
 
E-Mail: info@daciagallery.com
Phone: 917-727-9383
 
Thank you and we look forward to sharing this unique art experience with you in New York City.
 
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TESTIMONIALS
 
I attended two Artist Residencies sponsored by Dacia Gallery. They were exceptionally valuable and unique workshops. The instruction and models were first rate.  The residency experience included tours of NYC galleries and talks by successful artists and art professionals. Of vital interest was gaining knowledge of the NYC art gallery scene and what it takes to be successful. However, the workshops are appropriate for artists at all levels. Your host, Lee Vasu, owner of Dacia Gallery, is very open, honest and supportive of artists. I can’t think of a better individual resource in NYC for emerging artists than Lee Vasu. - John McCabe
 
I attended the residency at the Dacia Gallery to be able to get an intensive painting experience, away from work and my normal habitat. I chose it specifically because I was looking for a better understanding of the figure and landscape painting that I would be able to integrate back into my large-scale abstract work. This experience was amazing because we were working and learning all day every day, and I was getting all sorts of information that I felt I didn’t get too much of in art school. Most of all, Lee and the instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. They all truly cared about helping us to become better painters and making sure that we left with a better understanding of the art world and how to succeed in it. I would happily and hopefully attend again. - Jessica Jokhi
 
I just completed an artist residency at Dacia Gallery and found the experience to be really valuable. Our instructor was generous and truly inspiring. Lee served as our mentor and art business sage, leading us through gallery and museum visits, encouraging questions and discussions. The quality of the instruction alone made the residency worthwhile, but there was also a collegiality established from the first day that made our group of strangers become great friends. I highly recommend this experience. - Sharon Strine
 
Thank you, Lee Vasu and Dacia Gallery, for giving all of us such a rich and enlightening experience. I can only speak for myself when I say that it changed my focus and zeal. I am now convinced I should do the paintings I am born to do and to work "smarter" to get them out there to the right places, where they can be most effective. You are an ideal gallery director who has his heart in the right place, working to help young artists learn and find their place in this complex world. I am so happy I did this and met such wonderful people as the other residents, Iliya and you. I am very grateful to you for providing this opportunity! - Jill Baker
 
Thank you Dacia Gallery for offering this amazing Artist Residency. The setting was perfect: Small intimate group and a model, which allowed plenty of instructor time and attention. As always, it is so inspiring to be in NYC and your attention to details of making this a great experience. I would recommend Dacia Gallery’s Artist Residency to any artist at any level. - Catherine Connolly Hudson
 
I really enjoyed my painting intensive residency at Dacia Gallery. The instructor was personalized, gentle yet prodding and helped me to discover my weak spots and see with fresh eyes. I wish we had more time. The Dacia Gallery couldn’t have been more accommodating and encouraging. A wonderful experience I look forward to repeating. - Ginger Del Rey
 
After feeling intuitively that I needed to upscale my technique with a master of light and shadow in oil painting, I found a residency at the Dacia Gallery. Their instructor was the ideal fit: with patience, step-by-step approach, thorough explanations and delicacy, he helped me go further and better in the painting process, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and my limits. The workshop was very well organized, the atmosphere nice and welcoming, the other participating artists great, and the model perfect. I wish I could register for more workshops with the Gallery. - Anne Plaisance
 
I learned so much during the residency it's hard to narrow it down. The instructors different style helped challenge both my technical and creative paint application. I learned both how to map out what I was painting and when to break away from my drawing. Lastly, I definitely got the proportional help that I have desperately needed. Thank you Dacia Gallery! - Natalie Schwartz
 
As a recent BFA graduate, I didn’t understand how important residencies could be until this experience. Completely dedicating myself for work relieved me of external concerns, and this ignited a fire in my core with gasoline. This residency was a shocking reminder to get out of my head, and just create. - Chalice Bartsch-Bailley
 
I really enjoyed the Residency!  It was a wonderful experience, the painting, instruction, business talks, artist talks, gallery walks, museums, our opening reception for the exhibition, everything was wonderful and energized me to create more!  I feel like my art, as well as everyone's art developed so much during the residency, and I feel like all of us were so fortunate to have such a wonderful opportunity and experience!  I thank you! - Jessica Meuse
 
Artists That Previously Attended Dacia Gallery's Artist Residencies:
 
Scott Dodson, Victoria Duncan, Coila Evans, Sirun Guan, James Horner, Jennifer Casaburi, Catherine Connolly, Griselda Lechini, Sanda Manuila, Deanna Mclaughlin, Carol Scavotto, Hongmei Shen, Kathleen Tobin, Mario Villagómez, Jill Baker, Stephen Burt, Miriam Zora Engel, Masood Khan, John McCabe, Jessica Meuse, Jennifer Mondfrans, Charlie Mostow, Randy Zucker, Miriam Cabello, Kaitlin Flack, Ellen Llewellyn, Lavely Miller, Gustavo Rincon Moreno, Tia-Maria Soroskie, Carmen Torruella Quander, German Jaramillo-Mckenzie, Jee Kim, Grace McKee, Jennifer Mondfrans, Jamielyn Mosca, Patricia Mosca, Jeff Newman, Victoria Selbach, Mike Selbach, Dominique Bass-Terpstra, Cathy Boyd, Zoe Ciupitu, Archer Dougherty, Seth Earnest, Hilary England, Alexandra Giannopoulos, Elody Gyekis, Carrie Hudson, Amy Karki, Chris Klein, Katie Moran, Alexandra Moss, Sara Nguyen, Michael O'Sullivan, Helen Parkin, Arwen Reynolds, Nataliya Scheib, Margarita Felis, Katherine Hooper, Janet Logan, Sophia Tarassov, Meredith Thomas, Anne Tochka, Rosanda Watson, Rachelle Williams, Jessica Charton, Sabrina Etheridge, Ariane Garnier, Yuki Kano, Tessa Kennedy, Laura Montealegre, Zeynab Movahed, Mihaela Savu, Rosanne Walsh, Ruchira Amare, Trudy-Ann Barrett, Stella Chang, Jessica Jokhi, Natalie Schwartz, Narineh Seferian, Chalice Bartsch-Bailley, Lydia Frost, Seth Foss, Alex Ortega, Sharon Strine, Paula Turk, Sari Mallow, William Reed, Berry Villegas, Tricia Townes, Ramah Al Husseini, Amy Whitman, Elizaveta Bondarenko, Gjergji Meta, Viorica Ghetu-Vuono, Ionela Harhata, Karen Stephens, Martyna Gryko, Meghan Taylor, Callan Dullea, Isabella Mellado, J. Adam Davis, Joanna Bavero, Margaret Vega, Jotham Malavé Maldonado, Caitlin Rose, Eve Kat, Jacqueline Farnese, Kseniya Galper, Matt Bernson, Michael Griffith and Shawn Lindsay.
 
Below is a reccent article in International Artist Magazine about Dacia Gallery and the NYC Artist Residency.