Angela Phillips has been named the new director and president of La Galería Gitana. Former director Karen Nichols, a life-long resident of San Fernando, has retired and moved to Northern California. Nichols, a former arts teacher, started the art gallery and built it into an attractive venue for San Fernando Valley artists.
Phillips said she comes to La Galería Gitana with experience both in business and in fine art. After working 20 years in the Information Technology Department for a large cooperative company, an early retirement enabled her to enroll in oil painting courses at LACMA, Pierce College Extension and to study privately with Susie Devitt of J. Devitt designs and with Margot Lennartz.
Phillips is joined by niece Brianne Corona, who will serve as the assistant gallery director. Corona is currently working on her master’s degree in art history.
Phillips said she is planning to start a nonprofit arm for the gallery called ARTreach 91340. “We will be getting instructors and offering workshops. The back area of the gallery will be built out to hold workshops. We will be offering scholarships.”
Her experience in the nonprofit field began as the Fundraiser Administrator for the locally based Kadima Conservatory of Music, Inc.
Growing up just outside of San Fernando, her childhood roots are in the city where she went to San Fernando Middle School, and San Fernando High School.
The current exhibit at La Galería Gitana, “Reflection of Life,” will be followed by “Sinister Shadows & Seductive Shades,” which opens Oct. 10.
The gallery is free to the public and open Thursday through Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is located at 120 N. Maclay Ave. in San Fernando, (818) 898-7708.