Shifting Seasons: A Transformative Journey Through Dual-Gallery Experiences at Jamaica Art Center

From October 17, 2025 to December 5, 2025, the Jamaica Art Center hosted a powerful exhibition that invited visitors to move through two emotional worlds under one roof.

Curated by Alex, founder of Brooklyn Art Cave, and moderated by Mina, this dual-gallery journey blended immersive art installations with intentional design, showcasing the works of Gina Callaghan, Cristina Ciobanu, Kyra Clemons, Elainne Diaz, Claire Early, Sage Gallon, Natisha Jordan, Maria Joubert, Christopher M. Liatsis, Tibor Matijas, Dani Matthews, Alejandro Pinzon, Fatima Shabbir, and Susan Varo.

As part of the public programming, our candle-making session with teaching artist Ashley Pusey invited guests to pour intention into wax and flame, symbolizing release, renewal, and light heading into a new season.

Guests stepped into spaces crafted to spark both transformation and reflection vivid colors and blooming textures in one gallery, calm stillness and reflective elements in the other as they prepared to welcome 2026 with clarity and purpose.

Transformation Gallery: A Burst of Growth and Change

Stepping into the Transformation Gallery felt like entering a world alive with energy. The space was filled with vivid colors and floral elements that seemed to pulse with life. Petals floated in suspended installations, creating a sense of movement and growth. The walls were adorned with large-scale paintings and mixed-media pieces by emerging artists, each bursting with symbolism about change and renewal.

The atmosphere was immersive and dynamic. Visitors could walk through installations that invited touch and interaction, making the experience tactile as well as visual. The use of bright reds, oranges, and greens evoked feelings of vitality and forward momentum. This gallery celebrated the power of transformation, encouraging guests to think about their own journeys of growth.

The live performance by Ra Lé Bu added another layer of energy. Their rhythmic movements and soulful sounds echoed the themes of change, blending seamlessly with the art around them. This combination of visual and performing arts created a multisensory experience that energized the community gathered in the space.

Reflection Gallery: Calm and Contemplative Space

In contrast, the Reflection Gallery offered a quiet, meditative environment. The colors here were soft and muted—gentle blues, grays, and earth tones that invited calm and introspection. The room was spacious, with comfortable seating areas arranged to encourage visitors to pause and breathe.

A standout feature was the “Reflection Wall,” where guests were invited to write down what they wanted to let go of before the new year. This interactive element created a collective sense of release and renewal. Nearby, a mirror installation encouraged self-reflection, both literal and metaphorical. Visitors could see themselves framed by the art, prompting thoughts about identity and personal growth.

The gallery’s layout fostered a peaceful mood. Soft lighting and minimalist design helped visitors slow down and connect with their inner thoughts. This space balanced the energetic transformation gallery, offering a place to process and integrate change.

Moving Between Two Emotional States

The exhibition’s design guided visitors through two emotional states: the vibrant energy of transformation and the peaceful calm of reflection. Moving from one gallery to the other felt like a journey through the seasons of personal growth.

Guests often paused between spaces, taking time to absorb the shift in mood. This transition encouraged them to consider their own experiences with change, what they were ready to embrace and what they needed to release. The layout supported this flow, making the visit feel intentional rather than rushed.

For many, this dual-gallery experience became a moment of connection with the broader community of NYC creatives. It was a shared space where art sparked conversations about growth, challenges, and hopes for the future. The exhibition invited everyone to participate, whether through writing on the Reflection Wall or simply sitting quietly in the meditative space.

Embracing New Beginnings Through Art and Community

This exhibition at Jamaica Art Center was more than just a display of art. It was a carefully crafted experience that highlighted the power of community and creativity to support personal transformation. By offering spaces to both release the old and welcome the new, it created a meaningful moment for visitors as they looked ahead to 2026.

Intentional spaces like these remind us how important it is to slow down and reflect. They provide a place to connect with others and ourselves through the universal language of art. Whether you are an emerging artist or an art lover, these moments of shared experience can inspire growth and renewal.

What are you ready to let go of this year?