Wolfgang and Luke, the Gallery
was opened in April of 2023 with the goal of creating community and offering a cozy spot to showcase fresh and original artwork in addition to perusing Mexican Pottery, from Sylvanna’s cousin Roberto, which challenges the perception of traditional Mexican ceramics. Books from friends, then jewelry, were tacked on as accessories to the paintings and pottery. Finally, art lessons were added to the bill to contribute to the artist community of Great Falls.
Wolfgang and Luke, the Characters
these were the last pair of the family Airedales, completing 30 years of Terrier madness. A quirky, playful, and highly intelligent breed, Wolf and Luke were Sylvanna’s inspiration to paint during her time in New York City when she missed having them around the office, in the car, and pulling her around the parks. The gallery is an homage to these boys.
Sylvanna VanderPark
born in North York, Toronto, Canada in 1977, Sylvanna grew up in Port Credit and Oakville before attending the University of Toronto to pursue a History degree. Her father Tony is a Fine Arts graduate (painter) from Dutch descent, who ended up founding and running a furniture company with his wife and Sylvanna’s mother Maria, of Mexican origin. Sylvanna spent many years working with her parent’s company, moving first to Chicago then New York City to provide American presence in a post 9/11 world. After taking a pause to have a family which included a move to Northern Virginia, Sylvanna returned to work with her parents part time. Having always wanted to develop a hybrid of furniture showroom and textile shop, she undertook the dream of setting up her gallery as a side effort and creative outlet. Sylvanna continues to work with her parents, paint animal portraits and to collaborate in art projects with her daughter Vivian, now 4 years old, all within the gallery space.