Meet Susan Brown. She is married to artist Gary Brown, who has a gallery and studio at 7 S. Broadway in downtown Aurora. Susan serves as the gallery’s business director.
She helps organize and promote the gallery shows. She’s always running on high octane, and takes pride in showcasing community artists in the historic space.
Built in 1900, the 3,800-square-foot building is split in half as gallery and studio. It took about a year to restore the building, including the original tin ceiling. The original brick wall, on the north side of the building, showcases a large section of plaster that holds remnants of old posters and wallpaper dating back to 1900.
The Browns opened the Gary Brown Studio and Gallery in April 2019.
Gary creates unique and original 3D mixed media assemblages and art creations, and is known for his found and repurposed art.
“He is an extremely gifted artist. He is a perfectionist when it comes to art. He also creates drawings, and photo art. He can paint, however, that is not one of his favorite medias,” Susan said.
They feature a new artist-of the-month in the gallery on First Fridays and the first Saturday of each month.
“The artists we have showcased are not only amazing and talented artists, they are amazing people,” Susan said. “I love to share about them.”
In March 2021, the Browns embraced a seasoned, well-known, stained-glass artist, Mark Radina. His studio is now in the back third of the studio. “We are so very fortunate to have Mark … with us,” Susan said.
June 4 and 5, the gallery will feature up-and-coming artist Tyler Fata. who works with many different media, however, her heart is in fashion design. “We will be displaying her art and fashion in very unique and interesting ways,” Susan said.
The Browns were gearing up for the show a couple of weeks ago when Susan found out that she has stage 4 cancer. She has begun chemotherapy and said she is very hopeful.
“As you can imagine, it has been a whirlwind of activity these past few weeks. Things are settling down now,” she said with her mind still on the gallery and upcoming shows.
“We love community, and try to engage the community as much as possible by having things such as name-the-art contest, raffles, fundraisers for local charities, auctions, and raffles,” she said.
Gary Brown Art Gallery and Studio will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for First Fridays June 4 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Fox River Arts Ramble June 5.
June 4 and 5 will serve as the first Aurora Arts Weekend in downtown Aurora. First Fridays has 28 participating venues and eight of those will be open for Fox River Arts Ramble Saturday. Both days will be filled with art and venues open with art, music, and more creativity.
It’s all free of charge to attend.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit organization of business and property owners in Special Service Area One. The group started in 1975 with the vision to improve redevelopment districts downtown. Learn more at auroradowntown.org.