The Gallery
We welcome artists Wendy Villa and Julia Chiang to The Gallery!
West Side is excited to welcome Wendy Villa and Julia Chiang to The Gallery for the month of February!
Wendy Villa's Artist Statement:
Wendy Villa is a Peruvian-born artist whose journey with art began unexpectedly but has since grown into a deep passion and the driving force in her life. As an avid traveler, Wendy finds inspiration in the natural beauty she encounters around the world. When she travels, she doesn't just encounter new places or unfamiliar landscapes—she experiences a deep, emotional shift. There's a sense of awe that comes with stepping into a new world, the rush of excitement, the curiosity, and sometimes even a feeling of vulnerability. Each location has its own rhythm, and its own pulse, and Wendy's art is her attempt to capture the emotions those places stir within her.
Wendy's process involves building layers with acrylic paint and epoxy, creating textured, multidimensional pieces that attempt to capture the feeling of those moments and environments. Wendy experiments with various mediums to add depth and character, so each work becomes a unique exploration of the emotional landscape of the places she has visited. What Wendy aims to do in her art is to transport you, the viewer, to a place of emotional resonance. Wendy wants to offer a piece of that journey—showing not just what a place looks like, but how it feels. It’s an invitation to explore the emotions that come with stepping into the unknown, seeing the familiar through fresh eyes, and embracing the beauty of both solitude and connection.
Wendy's art has found homes across the United States, England, and Colombia, and she hopes that her pieces connect with others on a personal level, transcending borders and sparking meaningful connections. Wendy currently resides in New Jersey, where she is a member of the Glen Rock Arts Council.
Check out Wendy Villa's Socials:
Website: https://
Instagram: https://www.
Facebook: https://www.
Julia Chiang's Artist Statement:
Julia Chiang is a self-taught abstract expressionist whose vivid acrylic and multimedia paintings channel emotions, moments, connections, and stories through a dynamic interplay of color and texture. Based in North Jersey, Julia's journey as an artist has been as colorful and layered as her work. From her beginnings in Raleigh, NC, as the daughter of immigrant parents, to a career path that transitioned from pharmacy to web design and graphic art, Julia has embraced reinvention and creative exploration. Now, she devotes herself fully to her passion for painting.
Julia’s work is deeply inspired by literature, history, female empowerment, and the natural world. Her paintings tell a story—an abstract narrative woven from deliberate color choices and expressive brushstrokes. Her art evokes the unique personalities and emotions of people, places, and environments, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and uncover the stories and inspiration hidden behind each piece.
When painting, Julia immerses herself entirely in the creative process. Music is an essential companion in her studio, providing rhythm and mood as she works. Often, it takes time for a painting to reveal itself—a slow and intuitive unfolding where each layer builds upon the last, guided by her instincts and the energy of the moment. This deep focus allows her to create pieces that resonate with authenticity, emotion, and meaning.
Julia’s dedication to her craft stems from her belief that art is a way to communicate the intangible—feelings, memories, dreams, and stories—and to bring beauty and purpose into the world. Her work reflects a life of curiosity, resilience, and an ever-evolving relationship with the transformative power of art.
Check out Julia Chiang's Socials:
Website: www.jcchiangart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.
Join us on Sunday, February 23, for an art reception from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. We hope to see you there!
Stop by The Gallery to see Wendy Villa's and Julia Chiang's exhibits on weekdays during February from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm or between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm on Sunday. See something you like? Bring it home! West Side receives 25 percent of sales.
