Shaina Gates / Exeter

I am an artist and teacher, living and working in Exeter. I have exhibited in several locations throughout NH, as well as New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Cape Cod. I earned my BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, an MA from the School of Visual Arts NY, and an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania.
 
I owe a great amount of thanks to Scott Ruffner and the Arts Industry Alliance & TEAM for hosting a solo exhibition of my work in October 2017. Moving back to New Hampshire after 2 years away, it was important to be near a vibrant art scene. I chose the Seacoast for this very reason. Considering the level of interest and amount of talent in the area, specifically in Exeter, it is especially important to have spaces in town dedicated to exhibiting art in a dedicated gallery format. With the newly established presence of Art Up Front, run by Rose Bryant, and the FOUNDATION Art Space, run by AIA/TEAM, I can feel the energy of a contemporary art scene forming. AIA/TEAM was supportive in working with me to produce a show of my paintings, and Scott Ruffner worked especially hard to get press coverage for the event. The turnout was fantastic, and the show was quite successful. Scott is committed to keeping the ball rolling on having monthly exhibitions at FOUNDATION Art Space as part of TEAM’s greater project of hosting arts and music related events throughout the year, which benefits the downtown Exeter community culturally and economically. I’m glad to have put roots down in Exeter, and am excited to watch the contemporary arts scene grow as local artists find the support and visibility they need through spaces like FOUNDATION.
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