Ally Paladino
As we ponder the swiftness of life’s current, we reflect on Carver’s prose. What does it mean to feel oneself beloved? To feel loved, yes. Yet is he not suggesting something more? What of one’s inner space? To have lived, or be living, a life that is meaningful and thoughtful, and to be kind and do good, and to have given birth, metaphorically, to that beauty within, that which is within you, that which brings nourishment and beauty to the self, and extends to others.
From this writer’s first meeting with Allyson Paladino, owner of Inner Space Fine Arts Gallery (ISFA) in North Reading, MA, a radiance was felt, resonant in the sentiment captured above. Hers is a kindness of being. With her gallery, she has created a space to honor artists. One senses a woman with purpose, one who holds authenticity at the forefront. How does she exude such energy? She was quiet a moment, and then said, her voice faltering, “Oh goodness, I don’t know what to say… except,” taking a pause, “what you have said is what I hoped would come to life within the gallery.” Paladino chose the name “Inner Space” as a “reflection of both the physical space we live in, and our interior lives—the things that bring us happiness or provoke thought or connect us. That which resonates with a person, that little bit of magic that brings them back to look at a work of art, again, and again.” She continues: “Inner peace creates happiness and it is infectious. I want to surround myself with positive people and I try and bring that spirit to the business; finding one’s coveted ‘inner space.’ I am on a journey with the gallery artists. They are putting their trust in me and I don’t want to let them down. Their mission is to create, full stop. My mission is to feature, promote and ensure a welcoming environment where their art can be admired and find homes with art lovers who appreciate the work and thought that goes into creating original art.
We are in this together.”
During one of our conversations, Paladino shared that she attended art school. “I went to Massachusetts College of Art and Design. I have always felt an artistic pull, but while in college, nothing really connected for me. I couldn’t settle on a direction.” Paladino began working in the corporate marketing and advertising world, in print production and as a senior project manager. She also worked as a freelance graphic designer. “I was not fulfilled, professionally, but along the way, I reconnected with the man who would become my biggest supporter, my husband, John, and I met one of my dearest, treasured friends, painter Elise Freda. Her husband Joe and I worked together. I have immense admiration for Elise; she does not compromise on living a life of appreciation for creating. Her work is an extension of that energy.”
Once, after a visit to see Freda in upstate New York, during a time when Paladino was searching deep for her calling, she began thinking about the possibility of opening a gallery. On a whim, she phoned Freda and said, “What do you think about me opening an art gallery? We need something creative on this strip between Winchester and Andover.” Freda was ecstatic, and could not have been more supportive. “My husband John has been beside me every inch of the way. I feel blessed, we are blessed. He believes in me. I have said that I wouldn’t have opened this gallery without him, but he will say, ‘oh yes, yes you would have.’” She and John purchased the building in early 2019, and spent a year renovating. Paladino held a soft opening in March 2020, just as COVID descended. She closed the gallery for several months.
“It was a learning curve to get ISFA off the ground, and I have truly enjoyed the entire process. I am happy learning every day. I knew when I started that owning a gallery would bring me joy. I am grateful to show artists who have faith in me and my mission, which is to provide a space where both visitors and artists can find their ‘inner peace’. When I see the artists’ joy at their openings, that brings me joy. It is all an affirmation, and I feel a sense of grounding, and the confidence that I am on the right path.” Paladino mentions several women artists who inspire her, each of whom have exhibited at Inner Space Fine Arts: Freda’s paintings “begin with the extravaganza of shapes, colors, spaces and lines found in the natural world. From the first moment we met, we became fast friends. I love her energy. Some of the first paintings I bought were by Elise. She is one of those unique individuals who naturally radiates creativity. Elise is one of the best people I know and she is living that bliss. She inspires me.”
Jan Roy began her artistic career as a silk-screen artist, working for more than twenty-five years designing and printing more than forty posters for various cultural organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, The New England Conservatory and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. She works almost exclusively in oil. “Jan’s body of work and her beautiful Haverhill art studio struck a chord with me. I felt like I was walking into a secret and magical space.”
Juni Van Dyke “is pure inspiration to me, not only her work, but her energy, with her youthful and original colorist style and positive outlook on art and life. It has been a true pleasure to work with her and call her my friend. She is the real deal. A true artist, through and through. Creating every day. Effortlessly beautiful as she leans into the struggles of making art and showing art as you mature. She has not slowed down one bit. She has also been the art director of the Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester, MA, for over thirty years, and is beloved in the community. She is my hero.”
Carolyn Latanision has worked with oil, acrylic, pastel, and casein, and is a multi award winning water colorist. “I had the pleasure of featuring her work in 2022. She gravitates toward people and architecture, as well as urban spaces in her work. Carolyn was always generous with her time and enthusiastic about the Inner Space journey. The acclaim for Carolyn’s paintings continues to grow, although she remains humble. She is a lovely person with a huge talent.”
Reflecting on the here and now, Paladino notes, “I told myself in the beginning that I would give it five years to learn and embrace this business. Something has shifted this year, the momentum has changed. It feels really good! I also recently hired a PR person. We are turning a corner at Inner Space Fine Arts, and it is all coming together!”
It might be a circuitous path, yet Paladino is right where she is meant to be, embracing her journey, celebrating her joy and a life in the arts, her bliss, and reciprocating in kind.
Paige Farrell has worked for over 25 years in the wine industry, as a wine director, sommelier consultant and educator. She writes for numerous publications, and is the North Shore accounts manager for Hogshead Wine Co. An exhibiting photographer and ceramicist, Farrell lives on Cape Ann.