Exchange welcomes new gallery

There’s a new beacon for local art in the Exchange District.

Co-owned by Laura Porath and Mike Page, Lucent Gallery + Design Studio, which celebrates its grand opening Thursday at 102-52 Albert St., is both a gallery representing Winnipeg artists and a design studio focused on residential and commercial spaces.

“Lucent” means “to glow,” which was meaningful to them in many ways, Porath says.

“It’s how we feel about art and design, about shining a light on the incredible artists that we represent, how we feel about the Exchange District and Winnipeg, and how we feel about each other and starting a business together.”

Porath and Page have been a couple for 21 years and have two children together, as well as a small, sleepy 15-year-old schnauzer/poodle mix named Olive who is snoozing in the back office of the bright new space as they chat with a reporter.

They’ve racked up years of experience in their respective fields independently; Porath, who is also a practising artist, has worked in commercial galleries for more than 15 years, while Page has more than 20 years of experience working in architecture and interior design. The time was right to combine their skills and build something together.

Both sides of the business complement each other, Porath says.

“We see art and design working together in harmony. If you are looking for art did you know we also do design? Or, if you’re looking for design did you know we also represent many fantastic local artists? We hope the two businesses under one roof will work together.”

The gallery currently has 12 contemporary Winnipeg artists — including Sue Gordon, Lawren Rich, Mohan Tenuwara and more – on its roster whose works are on view in the Page-designed gallery, which has space for future solo exhibitions.

“There’s a tremendous amount of talent in Winnipeg, and there’s a lot of artists who don’t have representation,” Porath says. “If you’re curious about art or interested in art, here’s a place where you can discover them.”

Lucent joins a network of Exchange District galleries, which Porath and Page see as a more-the-merrier opportunity.

“We love the Exchange District and having more galleries in this area encourages more people to come down and get a coffee and do the gallery circuit,” says Porath, who also served on the board of First Fridays in the Exchange for a decade. “We’re all good for each other. We belong together in a community here, which is really nice.”

Opening a gallery in 52 Albert St. is also a full-circle moment for Porath, who spent much of her youth training in karate on the third floor of the building in the 1980s and ’90s. (She also worked at galleries on the stretch, including the former Fleet Gallery and Soul Gallery, and her sculpture studio is on the street as well.)

“I just feel like I’m meant to be on Albert Street.”

Lucent Gallery + Design Studio celebrates its grand opening Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at 102-52 Albert St.

jen.zoratti@winnipegfreepress.com