The Salt Art Gallery
SALT Art Gallery exhibits a diverse range of contemporary art in Philadelphia, PA. We represent a mix of established and emerging artists while cultivating new talent. We strive to provide a unique platform for artists to develop their work and ideas in a supportive and nurturing environment. Since opening in May 2009, SALT Art Gallery remains dedicated to the evolution and continual dialogue of contemporary art.
As a result of our continued support of contemporary art and our artists, SALT Art Gallery has been given the opportunity to collaborate with Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program and The National Council of Ceramic Arts (NCECA).
Michael Veneziale, Owner and Curator
Brought up in New Hope Pennsylvania, Michael Veneziale’s passion for the visual arts and painting emerged at a young age. By high school, Michael was being commissioned to design and paint sets for local schools and arts organizations, such as The Bucks County Playhouse. He continued to develop his work as a painter and by the early 1990’s made the move to Brooklyn, NY to pursue his career. At first a struggling artist, Michael worked odd jobs, including a memorable one with a carpet cleaning NYC company, a brutal yet rewarding occupation that gave him little time to work on his art. The business flourished and he was rewarded with the opportunity to buy an interest in the enterprise. That turned out to be a major reason not only for his artistic success, but also for a new-found love of process. Cleaning rugs revealed to him the necessary tools he used in set design - large scale fabric management and the supplies required to keep exposed surfaces looking bright and glowing. "Carpets are a significant part of any indoor set, and knowing how to keep them in good condition is critical when a play has a long run." Over the next 10 years, his prolific career in New York City included creative collaborations with media moguls from MTV, Radical Media, Works in Progress and Pseudo.com as well as numerous exhibitions and private commissions.
By the early 2000’s, Michael decided to return to Philadelphia, bringing his experience and knowledge of contemporary art to the local arts community. It was his continual support and engagement of contemporary art that lead Michael to open SALT Art Gallery in May of 2009.
Since Opening SALT, he has contributed to the vibrancy of the contemporary arts field in Philadelphia by showcasing and supporting emerging talent and collaborating with various arts organizations and businesses. In addition, over the past year, he has been commissioned by WaveWare, Naked Chocolate and Sesame Street. Michael is pleased to bring his prowess, knowledge and practice in contemporary art to cultivate new and established relationships with both artists and clients through his activity with SALT Art Gallery.
During the First Friday Arts Crawl my crew and I stumbled upon a few brand spanking new galleries. Salt was the first and while it definitely offered a lot as far as the art and the party, It just felt that it didn't offer a lot professionally and that's why I'm curving middle ground.
The perfect example and testament to that fact would be it's website. I was so immersed in and enamored by the art that it had that I genuinely wanted to get some information on who the artists were, and some general information on the gallery. So naturally when I picked up one of their cards and saw a website I figured that it would be the perfect place to get those facts. right? Not even close. If anything it was an exact copy of the business card. Same font, same logo, same color, same generic info. Really? If your going to go to the trouble to purchase the domain name and have a site, having one so basic for something which is filled with so much expression and detail just seems absolutely illogical. The only thing different was the fact that the website had a link to the gallery owners email address. I think I might be sending him a copy of this review.
But extreme oversight aside the actual gallery was pretty fantastic. It had a prime location right by Race Street Cafe (although it was also hidden enough to the point that we wouldn't have noticed it if it was for the people walking out with wine glasses and the sound of music). And the art was pretty fantastic. they had supersized painting of semi familiar streets throughout Philadelphia and New York that I have walked through and cherished. they also had the work of an awesome illustrator/shirt designer that was pretty damn amazing. Think anime, meets sci fi, meets WoW, and you might be dead on. And his work was what inspired me to check out the website in the first place. Because McThrill was actually interested in spreading the word, getting the awesome name of his TShirt company again and it's interesting back story, and possibly making a purchase. Make it happen!
- Jill C.
- Philadelphia, PA
- 39 friends
- 199 reviews
- Elite ’16
Very disappointed in this place! A friend from out of town came in to the city for a girls night and she was excited to go to this gallery. We checked the hours on-line and decided to meet there at 5, since it closed at 6. Got there at a few minutes after 5 and it was locked up tight.
Even the hours posted outside said open to 6 on Saturdays. And there wasn't a sign on their door saying why they closed early (I would have understood if there was a sign stating some kind of explanation - kid is sick, on vacation, abducted by aliens). They are only open 4 days a week (according to the posted hours) so I am more than a bit miffed that they were closed.
So for being closed when you were supposed to be open you get one star.
- Jon G.
- Warrington, PA
- 4 friends
- 3 reviews
Salt Gallery offers an eclectic mix of art with a fresh modern feel. The cityscapes especially show the original style of the owner/artist Mike Veneziale
More Background on Salt Art Gallery
Philadelphia is home to a rich and diverse art scene, and among its vibrant offerings stands Salt Art Gallery, a beacon for contemporary art. Over the years, Salt Art Gallery has built a reputation as a place where emerging and established artists alike can showcase their talents, with a particular emphasis on contemporary pieces that challenge and inspire. The gallery’s focus on creating a supportive and nurturing environment for artists has earned it a loyal following within both the local and national art communities.
Reviews and Reception
Salt Art Gallery has received a variety of reviews from art critics, patrons, and visitors over the years. According to Yelp reviews, visitors often highlight the gallery’s eclectic mix of modern art and its role in supporting local artists. One reviewer described Salt Art Gallery as a space that "brings together cityscapes and illustrative work that captures the essence of Philadelphia and beyond." This blend of local flavor with contemporary technique appeals to a wide range of art lovers, from casual visitors to serious collectors.
However, Salt Art Gallery has faced some criticisms as well. A few patrons have expressed frustration with inconsistent hours, particularly when the gallery is closed during scheduled opening times. A prominent reviewer on Yelp noted that arriving at the gallery during posted business hours only to find it closed was "disappointing," especially considering the limited days of operation. Despite such complaints, the gallery’s overall reception has been positive, particularly for the quality of the exhibitions and the unique atmosphere of the gallery itself.
Press and Media Coverage
While Salt Art Gallery may not be as widely covered in mainstream media as larger galleries, it has been featured in several local art magazines and news outlets. Philadelphia’s local art publications, such as Philly Art Review and Art Matters, have praised Salt Art Gallery for its contribution to the city's contemporary art movement. One notable article discussed how the gallery has helped foster the careers of emerging artists by providing them with a platform to exhibit their work alongside more established names in the art world.
Additionally, Salt Art Gallery has been involved in community art projects, collaborating with initiatives such as the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. This involvement has solidified its role as a gallery that is not just about showcasing art, but also about contributing to the broader cultural and social fabric of the city.
Audience and Known For
Salt Art Gallery is particularly known for attracting an audience that appreciates experimental and avant-garde work. The gallery often showcases pieces that push the boundaries of traditional art forms, focusing on multimedia works, large-scale paintings, and abstract installations. This has helped the gallery carve out a niche for itself within Philadelphia’s larger art scene, appealing to a younger, more progressive demographic, as well as collectors looking for fresh, bold talent.
While some galleries focus on well-established artists with a guaranteed market, Salt Art Gallery takes a more daring approach by frequently exhibiting the work of lesser-known or emerging artists. This has allowed it to build a reputation as a space where visitors can discover new talent and experience cutting-edge contemporary art.
Cultural and Social Significance
Salt Art Gallery plays a crucial role in the cultural landscape of Philadelphia. By hosting regular exhibitions and participating in local arts events, it has become a meeting place for artists, critics, and art enthusiasts. The gallery’s participation in First Friday, a popular monthly event where galleries open their doors to the public, has been particularly impactful in making contemporary art more accessible to the wider community.
One of the most significant cultural contributions of Salt Art Gallery is its commitment to diversity. The gallery showcases work from artists of various backgrounds, reflecting the multiculturalism of Philadelphia itself. This inclusive approach has earned the gallery praise from both local and national art communities, who see it as a champion of diversity in the arts.
Moreover, Salt Art Gallery is known for its support of social causes. Many of the exhibitions it hosts deal with contemporary social and political issues, from environmental concerns to racial and gender equality. This alignment with activism has allowed the gallery to engage not just with the art community, but also with activists and community leaders who see art as a tool for social change.
Exhibitions and Collaborations
One of the hallmarks of Salt Art Gallery is its strong record of exhibitions and collaborations. Over the years, the gallery has partnered with a variety of organizations, from local art schools to national institutions, to create exhibitions that challenge and inspire. A particularly noteworthy collaboration was with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), where Salt Art Gallery exhibited the work of contemporary ceramic artists from across the country. This exhibition was widely praised for its innovative curation and for highlighting a medium that often does not receive as much attention as painting or sculpture.
The gallery has also collaborated with commercial and nonprofit organizations, including several Philadelphia-based businesses that have used art installations as part of their corporate branding. These partnerships have allowed Salt Art Gallery to reach a wider audience, bringing contemporary art into spaces that might not traditionally host such work.
Insights and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Salt Art Gallery is well-positioned to continue its growth and influence within the contemporary art world. The gallery’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and its willingness to experiment with new art forms will likely keep it at the forefront of Philadelphia’s art scene. Furthermore, as the city’s art community continues to grow, Salt Art Gallery will remain an essential player in fostering talent and pushing the boundaries of what contemporary art can be.
One area where the gallery could improve, based on reviews, is in its online presence. Some visitors have noted that the gallery’s website does not always provide adequate information about current exhibitions or artists. Given the growing importance of digital platforms in promoting art, an enhanced web presence could help Salt Art Gallery reach a larger audience and improve its communication with patrons.
Salt Art Gallery has earned its place as a leading force in Philadelphia’s contemporary art scene. Through its exhibitions, collaborations, and commitment to diversity, the gallery has helped shape the city’s cultural landscape. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of accessibility and communication, Salt Art Gallery remains a dynamic and influential space for contemporary art, one that is deeply rooted in the community and poised for future success.