3-minute read
Tony Agnello’s in a camp chair, Danielle Klonecki sits on the floor, Andy Webb and Katie Webb share a couch. Occasionally, their voices are drowned out by construction sounds: clanging pipes, a screeching drill. The founders of Notta Gallery are planning for their “soft-ish opening” on Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.
Notta Gallery will be located at 125 N. Kentucky Ave., Suite 103, in downtown Lakeland. The space was formerly occupied by June Taylor, now relocated and renamed Junely.
“The whole concept behind the gallery is really making art approachable, building collectors, having someone feel comfortable enough to walk in off the street,” says Katie. “So it’s not a gallery. It’s more. It’s less. It’s everything in between.”
Building Creative Community
When Agnello met Klonecki, he “dusted off his paint brushes,” says Katie. He soon noticed what many artists already felt: Lakeland needed more spaces to share work.
“I always heard … this rumbling underground of these artists that are looking for a home, looking for a space,” said Klonecki.
Agnello envisioned a network of galleries and creative spaces in Lakeland — the AGB, Notta Gallery, the forthcoming Depot Arts District Studio Spaces, even local coffee shops — encouraging and promoting each other. Klonecki and the Webbs share this enthusiasm for creative community.
As their vision started to take shape, Agnello, Klonecki and the Webbs visited Mayfaire by-the-Lake. They saw excited buyers walking away from booths with purchases in hand. They spoke to artists, finding many that were interested in the possibility of a new gallery in Lakeland.
“Another big moment for us was the talk they had at the AGB,” said Andy, referring to the Future of Arts in Lakeland forum, hosted by Lakeland Vision and LkldNow last May. “Everyone that attended … said we need art spaces. We need creative spaces.”
Notta Concept
“It’s really quirky. It’s cheeky. It’s fine art, but not being taken too seriously. We want people to come in knowing a lot about art, knowing nothing about art, knowing a little about art … we want to meet people where they’re at,” said Katie.
The layout reflects that mix:
Artist on view: A live artist painting or drawing, in person or streamed online, to keep the space interactive.
Front room: Casual, with a 10-seat table for classes and affordable artwork like small originals, prints and limited runs.
Back room: Higher-end and exclusive pieces.
“There’s always something live and interactive going on” said Klonecki.
Love, Lakeland
Notta Gallery’s inaugural show will be called “Love Lakeland,” and there’s still a lot to do. Agnello moves to check on construction on the other side of the space. Steven Raya, communication manager and the gallery’s first employee, reviews images of artwork with the rest of the team. They already have 17 confirmed artists.
After the soft opening, the gallery will close to work out any kinks before reopening on Sept. 18.
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