I am deeply grateful for each person that has entered my life through the arts .
Through you I've learned many lessons .
The words written here make me know I am on the right path .
a special thanks to each person
*
Graham Button- Editor Mardi Gras Traditions
Lisa DuBois often finds herself drawn to the zone between fantasy and reality, Seeking out performances and festivities in which participants transition from the prosaic into the transcendent “fantasy moment”.
Reality and fantasy go hand in hand with her artistic creativity.
Graham Button - editor Mardi Gras Traditions
http://mardigrastraditions.com
Pradeep Maheswari - curator. French / India exposition in Nice France. Product design and Development, Published author.
Lisa's photographs often catch the glimpse of the emotions at play in the scene making them come alive. My favorites are her Kathak Dancer and Woman doing Chaat Pooja which were selected and exposed at the exhibition held in Nice, France in Dec-Feb 2011.
Pradeep Maheswari
Jonathan Weiss - Lawyer - collector
This exhibit ( Old Harlem New Harlem ) is not only aesthetically impressive but important historically. Well thematically presented, it highlights an underappreciated cultural expression. Students should be encouraged to immerse themselves in it while the rest of us celebrate it beauty and value.
Jonathan A. Weiss [email protected]
Diane Staver Ai Instructor, painter
Lisa has the gift of capturing people as they are, not posed, but natural. People trust Lisa behind the lens and it shows in their willingness to be who they are. She captures their dignity and humanness. Lisa has be building on her years of experience and continues to grow as an artist. It will be exciting to continue to follow her development.
Diane Staver
Playthell Benjamin > Historian of Black Culture , Radio personality, writer, Professor of History
There are several things that that distinguish Lisa’s photography for me: It has a narrative feel to it i.e. tells a story; she has a deep interest in the religious ritual in various cultures – how they worship God, and she has a fine eye for beauty. One gets the feeling that for Lisa a photograph must not only be interesting…but beautiful. Like the late great photographer of the Harlem Renaissance James Vander Zee – who created art while running a commercial studio - Lisa DuBois is always the artist. Part of this can be explained by the fact that some photographers are artist and others are technocrats. It is a matter of both sensibility and ambition.
Playthell Benjamin
Blaine Kern - Owner of Mardi Gras world- known as Mr. Mardi Gras
I am a collector of Lisas wonderful Mardi Gras work. I love Sutton Gallery and happy to find Lisas work there
Kehinde Dada (Visual Artist)
To the best of my knowledge, X Gallery, under the curatorial leadership of Lisa DuBois has been a blessing to the world of arts and artists by its un-relented efforts in promoting art and artists (both emerging talent and already established artists) to the public at large - I am a beneficiary of this, my artwork was selected among many applicants to be a part of the X Gallery's 2019 summer exhibition titled: Cultural Diversity - What a great privilege.
The gallery has been showcasing history of different cultures, providing a snapshot of what life was like at a particular period of time and projecting what life should and will be in the future through the quality eye appealing art exhibitions that it has been known for. This effort of attracting art lovers and tourists to the art gallery and the city has in turn made the gallery a booster to the local economy.
Without a doubt, X Gallery is unique and dynamic for its style of bringing visual art and photography together under the same exhibiting roof as it ought to be, so as to educate a new generation of art appreciators and artists alike the importance and the need to flow with the current creative cloud of introducing art gallery attendees to different perspectives and ways of thinking through the viewing of this creative inter-marriage.
I am indeed proud to be associated with Lisa DuBois for her astounding determination towards reposition and promotion of art and artists for a greater height.
Kehinde Dada (Visual Artist) April 14th, 2021
Ceres (Diaja) Conceptual Artist
I met Lisa back in 2018 and I will say she played and still continues to play a major role in the advancement of my artistic career. Lisa has the eye and gift of cultivating and nurturing talent. She has taught me so much about the art world and was one of the main reasons I have been able to successfully navigate through it. Anyone that works with Lisa should know that they are working with a gem.
Ceres (Diaja)
Diaja.com
Instagram: omg_diaja__
Michael Colavito -Photographer - Photo Artist
I, Michael Colavito, am an original artist concerned with authentic work not repeated and not copying artists before me. I can wholeheartedly attest to the truth behind Lisa Dubois' commitment to art as an artist in her own right and as curator and patron for the arts and the art community. She has proven this for many years as a gallerist in her presentation of many artists to promote their individual careers in her personal efforts to enrich people, society and the art world with new art by both upcoming and established artists. Lisa presented my work in a group exhibition and I could see for myself first hand that her commitment was genuine and forthcoming. The art world would be a far better place if more patrons like Lisa Dubois were as concerned as she is in putting art "first" ahead of their personal motives. I thank you, Lisa, for your efforts to help me and Colavito Art and for being entirely sincere as a contributing factor in a big way for the art world.
Michael Colavito -
Ekaterina Abramova- painter - healing artist
I was working with Lisa for a several years with different art exhibitions. We met when I just moved to USA NY and was exhibiting a few paintings at NY Art Fair and Lisa included my artworks at her article about the fair. It was so important to me that moment of my life! I will never forget this. She was one who give me her opinion the moment I was new in a new country
She can feel the artist’s potential and help it grow and explore. Lisa has so much love and patience for us artists and she knows how to make us to collaborate with each other’s.
I am happy to continue work with Lisa, when the time will come.
Love & joy. Artist Ekaterina Abramova.
www.artabramova.info
www.artabramova.com
Instagram @artabramova
Cell: +1 201-238-0087
Audrey Anastasi - mixed media Artist - curator
It was really a great pleasure working with you. The project was beautifully curated, beautifully installed, and professionally handled in every aspect. I say this not only as a practicing artist, honored to be included, but as a gallerist and arts advocate, who can appreciate what is necessary to organize and present exhibitions in various venues.
If you like, you may feel free to quote me at any time. Kind regards
Audrey Anastasi
Robert Ross Abstract Painter - Mixed Media
I have worked we Lisa on several project at the X Gallery and it has always been of my best experiences with galleries. She is always attentive and focus on the project at hand and the artist best interest. I find her totally understandable to artist needs because she also is a great artist herself. i looking for to working again,
Robert Ross [email protected]
Alex G - Photo Artist moderator single shot show Manhattan Neighborhood network
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa Dubois in the capacity of the host of the TV show, where we conducted several interviews about her work artistically as well as discussing her work as a director of X-Gallery. Over the years we have examined several collections, curated by Lisa and every time it was an excellent body of artworks, organized with care, and conceptually significant. Her approach to promoting the shows was always bringing scores of interested spectators to the events, and providing each artist with an opportunity to display his or her vision in a comprehensive and favorable way. This impression was reinforced, when I had the honor of being selected by her for some of the X-Gallery collections as one of the participating artists, and had experienced the process from an opposite side. The process of managing the show was well thought through and organized, the display was professionally set-up and well planned. In my experience Lisa is one of the most capable, professional and passionate specialists in managing art galleries I have ever met.
Alex AG
Ademola Olugebefola Artist- Speaker - designer - Director Dwyer Cultural Center
Working with Lisa DuBois is both a challenge and a pleasure. The challenge is - you must be prepared to give your best towards whatever your agreed mutual goal might be - whether it be meeting a deadline or achieving high quality professional standards. A uncompromising reach for excellence in her personal art and professional endeavors fuels a passionate belief that art is a tool for healing and progress. That is the pleasure of collaborating with Ms. DuBois.
Ademola Olugebefola ade olugebe [email protected]
Sam Kaplan - Artist - painter - graphic designer -
DuBois is a Curator who has the unique ability to see an artists work, and then provide them with a roadmap. That refines their direction and harnesses their innate creative talent. In my many years of working with galleries, critics and artworld influencers. Miss DuBois stands out as a shinning example in the art world . That said Lisa has helped me to forge some of my greatest paintings to date, with her shared insights and laser guided observation.
Sam Kaplan [email protected]
AJ Stetson > New York photographer
I am a photographer and filmmaker based in NYC. Lisa was an inspiring source of wisdom and guidance throughout the exhibition Art on the Avenue NYC, November 2020—January 2021, which included 90 four-foot tall masked portraits of New Yorkers that I created in the months since recovering from COVID-19 after April, 2020.
Through many extraordinary interactions as well as challenges with having a 3-block 90-work public exhibition, Lisa offered invaluable guidance and insight, artistic as well as personal and even spiritual, and helped make the experience even more rewarding. Many thanks!
AJ Stetson
Instagram: @ajstetson
Alan Richards > Artist
I know that the choice of artwork for any show is really a judgement call by one or two people, but it's really great to have an advocate such as yourself to move things along.
My dealings with you have been quite positive. You were always readily available for consultation either by phone or email. That is quite important to me as a person and an artist. A quick reply is very important. It doesn't marginalize one as being insignificant or not reply-worthy. This speaks to your competence and kindness as a person and curator. As you know, an artist's ego is often frail and subject to doubt. Your attention to a quick response and detail was truly great. I appreciate it as I am sure the other artists you work with do as well.
All in all, you were a great ally in this exhibition. I truly want to work with you again. Be well, Alan
Adrian Hashimi > Artist - writer
Lisa DuBois is truly dedicated to the Arts. Not only is Lisa an amazing artist herself, a photographer who an eye at capturing the social atmosphere of our time, but she is also an amazing curator of the arts. She continues to help many local artists be seen and heard, myself included.
Lisa first showcase my paintings at the X Gallery in Harlem along with a few other local artists in 2018. She also spotlighted the show and the artists during a public television appearance.
We last worked together when she curated another painting of mine for the Arts on The Avenue public art installation. The show was a great success.
Adrian Hashimi
Toy Tigers, LLC
917.496.7163
www.adrianhashimi.com
Instagram: @adrianhashimi
Ruchell Alexander
"I met Lisa via her website xgallery.nyc as I was looking online for galleries in the NYC area that might be a fit for my art work (I am from New Mexico). I immediately was very moved by the art and artists that she was showing and asked her how I might get involved. She asked me to send a few giclees out to N.Y, which I did and encouraged me to submit my work and a small fee to get shown on her website, which I also did and am glad of it because I now have a presence on a great website and feel like I'm part of the family and am so honored to be showing alongside her amazing other artists, of which there are many: with various styles and working in a variety of mediums. Lisa herself has been great to work with as we share a common bond: Reggae Music which is really what my artwork is mainly about..and she recognizes that. She has always been a great communicator with me and always returns emails very promptly, which is awesome and rare. I appreciate what she does for the entire universe of art and thank Jah daily for the fact that he has put us together. She strikes me as a go getter and always thinking of what the next stage is. It has been a pleasure working with her and I am excited about the next phase working with her to further explore the wide universe of visual arts.
I know one thing: Africa is where we all began.first man. Love the African vibe that you flow with Lisa and positive perspective on life. Great working with you , much respect. Highly recommended. " Ruchell Alexander 4/16/21
RU-style virtual art gallery
Ruchell click
James Romeo - Vintage photographer
I trust Lisa to represent my work in the best way possible. Ive known her for many years and her attention to detail
is refreshing.
James Romeo -NYC
Lance Johnson - Grafitti - abstract artist
As an artist, I am so grateful for the support that Lisa has given to me and my work. Not only a great curator but Lisa is truly an amazing advocate for young artists. Her advice and wisdom in navigating the art world has been so helpful for me. So inspiring.
Lance Johnson
Zulima Paulus-Rosenow- actress social media expert
I met Lisa two years ago when working for her as a Social Media Assistant at X Gallery. The first thing I quickly noticed about Lisa was how she interacted with everyone. Whether it was the local art lover or the most famous artist preparing to exhibit at the gallery, she gave each person her total attention and deference. Even though her expertise is deserving of high pay, she often spent time reviewing artist work and giving the most helpful advice for free.
As I got to work intimately with her on various social media projects, I came to see that she has an extremely high standard of professional expectations. Creating an Event Brite or Press Release required many drafts and reviews before she considered it ready for publication. As a journalist myself, I admire her ability to write directly, descriptively, and succinctly which makes her pieces thoroughly enjoyable. Her eye for beauty results in stunning designs whether on paper or on gallery walls in her role as curator. Because of this, it is no wonder so many distinguished artists, such as Ademola Olugebefola, chose to have their openings at X Gallery.
Lisa is a fantastic photographer and photo artist herself who has exhibited all over the world receiving well deserved prizes and recognition. As a friend, I have enjoyed hearing the stories of her travels where she gained the trust and access to people, such as the of New Orleans, who otherwise would not allow their lives to be captured on film. Lisa is simply that enchanting.
Because of all of these qualities, it is easy to understand why X Gallery became one of the most successful galleries in Harlem, a place dearly beloved by the community that propelled many forward in their careers including myself. For all of the reasons, it is a pleasure to assure you that it is my privilege to know Lisa and to have worked with her.
Zulima Paulus-Rosenow
Burroughs Lamar Photojournalist - documentary photographer
I met Lisa Dubois in 2010 when we were participants in a group of 20 Black Photographers, entitled: New Harlem Renaissance photographers, that were assembled in tribute to the former Director, Howard Dodson’s, retiring from the Schomburg Library for Research in Black Culture sponsored by then Harlem District 10, City Council member, Bill Perkins. Mr. Dodson sought a fitting tribute to the Harlem community would be an exhibition by Black photographers that poignantly documented Harlem. The exhibition opening occurred on January 31, 2011.
Prior to the event, the group met weekly to show and discuss our photographs and share our ideas about what should be the unifying theme for the exhibition. These meetings permitted my acquaintance with Lisa along, with the other photographers. The meetings could be boisterous and intense, but Lisa was not diffident in expressing her thoughts about ideas which were somewhat aligned with mine. Admittedly, I was new to photography and as she was much more experienced, I tended to follow her counsel and as a result we buddied. At the conclusion of the exhibition and the group disbanded, and we stayed in touch.
Lisa went on to curate a number of exhibitions and she invited me to submit my work which I was very appreciative. Or, submitted her work to an exhibition she became aware of and informed me to enter. In kind, if I learned of any exhibition “call for entries” I would alert her. There were occasions when we both either, as photojournalists or documentary photographers, have covered the same events, or personal projects and, had our work published in the same photography platforms. I believe, in 2018, she was granted a wonderful opportunity of an exhibition space in Harlem and became its sole curator. She offered me an opportunity to show my photographs there which I was pleased to do. In that capacity, she trained and supported a young artist. She also networked with other Harlem based arts programs.
Lisa is an outstanding documentary photographer as well as a talented visual artist. It is because we are both congratulatory about our work, we have maintained a photography relationship. She has an indefatigable work ethic, is resourceful and has successfully developed relationships with established photographers and artists, demonstrated by their participation in her numerous exhibitions. As an artist, she has a deep understanding and concern artists and photographers, particularly those of color, find to present their work, opportunities are often lacking or are extremely competitive. As a curator, she has a well-honed sense of the quality in art and photographs. The decision making to select work and discuss with the artist for an exhibition is a painstaking yet necessary undertaking and is unenviable. With her drive and determination, she is destined to have another gallery or become a curator for one and just needs an opportunity to do so.
Burroughs Lamar
Mona Dworkin - Collage artist
I have great respect for Lisa DuBois as an artist and curator. Lisa's mixed media collages depicting African American culture are striking and thought provoking. Her portrait photographs have a painterly quality, strikingly beautiful depicting individual personalities. I love how Lisa has captured the raw energy of dancers in her Blur series.
I originally met Lisa through XGallery in Harlem. Lisa has helped to develop many artists through her previous gallery and her present online website of the same name. I was thrilled to be invited to submit to the first ArtontheAveNYC show on Columbus Avenue. Lisa's work as a curator for the event highlighted New York Artist's work during the Pandemic. This was a changing point for many artists to be able to share their work during a difficult with galleries shut down. It gave artists the opportunity to have their work seen and well promoted by Lisa as well as offer a respite for New Yorker's looking to engage in outdoor activities in a socially distanced and safe environment.
I am grateful to know Lisa and look forward to seeing what she does next!
instagram: @monadworkin
Deb Fong photojournalist
“Lisa is an incredible talent, both as a photographer and as a curator. Her experienced, finely honed eyes clearly manifest in her own photographic work and in her insightful curation of others.
My first opportunity to work with Lisa was during the recent Art on the Ave NYC exhibition, ‘The Art of Healing’, which she curated. In addition to being extremely honored to be included in the exhibition, I found Lisa to be a pleasure to work with and an important, highly-respected presence during exhibition-related activities.”
Stuart Shestack -
My hobby is photography. I met Lisa about 8 years ago
While she was covering the Sikh parade in New York for the Examiner news.
I befriended her and we have been friends since. I am also a collector of her work
Specifically, parades. I have also collected some of her work from her series Holy Water.
I understand my camera better because of Lisa. She has answered all my photographic questions in great detail. When she became the curator for X Gallery I attended as many openings as I could.
I always knew the gallery would be filled with interesting beautiful people. I find Lisa to be a person that can relate to all kinds of people and cares deeply about her work as an artist, curator and photographer.
Stuart Shestack