SOLANA BEACH, CA—Award-winning photographer, Aaron Chang has partnered with distinguished artist, Wade Koniakowsky to launch the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery. More than 450 guests attended the Grand Opening, which took place from 6-9 p.m. on July 10^th at 415 South Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach.

According to Aaron Chang, “It was exciting to see the turnout for our opening. I was stoked with the beautiful vibe in the Gallery –– the joy was contagious.”

Showcased at the event were many of the finest pieces produced by each of the owners including a collaboration surfboard crafted by renowned shaper John Carper, hand painted by Wade Koniakowsky, and inlaid with original photographs by Aaron Chang. According to Carper, “It is the most beautiful surfboard I have ever seen.” Within minutes of the unveiling, the masterpiece P.B.U. board was sold to a private collector and a portion of proceeds were donated to Surf Aid International.

Throughout the evening, a number of selected Artist Proofs were purchased by local collectors, making the event a huge success for the entire Ocean Art Gallery team. Adding to the ambiance was live music by Benjamin Myers, complimentary appetizers, and autographed commemorative books.

“The grand opening was all we wanted it to be,” says Gallery Co-Owner Wade Koniakowsky. “We were stoked to share our vision for a Gallery that pays tribute to the ocean.”

The new Gallery, located in the heart of the Cedros Design District, is open to the public Monday through Thursday 10 to 6, Friday and Saturday 10 to 8, and Sunday noon to 5. On permanent display are Wade’s selected oil paintings, reflecting his unique ability to incorporate the soul of the tropics into mystical works of unforgettable artistry. Guests can also view Aaron’s exotic images collected from a lifetime of traveling, from the waves of Tahiti to the deserts of Africa. All featured art is available for purchase.

In the near future, both artists anticipate hosting workshops to inspire young artists and partnering with non-profits that focus on the areas of Ocean Environmentalism, Humanitarian and Education.

According to Wade, “Our goal is that anyone who walks into our Gallery should instantly ‘experience’ the ocean.”

For more information, call 858.345.1880

Download the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery Press Kit Here:

files.me.com/benjaminmyers/o4dyed



The Aaron Chang Gallery Hosts Fundraiser For The Outdoor Outreach Organization

Thursday, June 17, 2010–The Outdoor Outreach Organization, celebrating it’s 10th anniversary, held it’s annual fundraiser at the Aaron Chang Gallery. Seeking to empower at-risk and underprivileged youth, Outdoor Outreach makes a positive, lasting change in the lives of thousands San Diego’s youth. Speaking to the group, Aaron recounted his growing up in Imperial Beach under less than ideal circumstances and attributed surfing with providing his youth with purpose and focus.  Endorsing the Outdoor Outreach program, in addition to hosting the event at his gallery, Aaron donated a Limited Edition print for a silent auction. The Del Mar River Mouth surfing print was won by Ricky Schlesinger.  Chris Rutgers, founder and executive director, then presented Ryan Hudson. Hudson, a graduate of the program, has found success as a professional snowboarder recently placing 17th in the world at a North Face Masters extreme snowboard event. Everyone who attended enjoyed the surrounding art, great food, and took part in a very successful night for the Outdoor Outreach Organization.

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]]> http://www.aaronchanggallery.info/the-acg-hosts/feed 0 http://www.aaronchanggallery.info/thank-you-for-a-great-year http://www.aaronchanggallery.info/thank-you-for-a-great-year#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:38:19 +0000 Griffin McCabe http://www.aaronchanggallery.info/?p=235 Aaron Chang Gallery is celebrating our first anniversary this February and we are very grateful for all the support we have received from our friends, community and collectors. We have had an active year with over ten events held at the gallery supporting a variety of organizations and charities. We are looking forward to an even more active year in 2010 with many great things planned including a number of new image releases from Aaron. Thanks again to all of our supporters. Check back here for upcoming news.

Aaron Chang Gallery is happy to announce the addition of Thompson Smith to the gallery team. Thompson will be involved in new business development as well as director of gallery sales. Thompson brings 25 years of retail business and public relations background to the gallery and will be actively involved with promoting the gallery in the community.

Aaron Chang Gallery Featured in the San Diego Union Tribune business section, Boho magazine, Costco magazine, Ranch and Coast magazine and recently featured on PBS’ TV show Wonderland

This last few weeks have been good press for the gallery. The San Diego Union Tribune did a feature story on Aaron and the gallery. Surfshot magazine also ran a feature by writer, Emily Vizzo. The Aaron Chang Gallery 3-D photo fountain made out of recycled aluminum was featured nationally in Boho magazine. Where Guestbooks not only featured Aaron’s story in their latest edition placed in thousands of hotel rooms around the county, but they also chose Aaron’s photo for the cover of the book. In the most recent episode of the San Diego PBS adventure show Wonderland hosted by Noah Tafolla, the Aaron Chang Gallery and Aaron were the lead story in the Solana Beach show. To top all this, Costco magazine, with a circulation of 8 million, featured Aaron in their recent magazine. We are getting the word out and if you haven’t yet visited the gallery please come see us!

Mounted Art is Aaron Chang Gallery’s Best Selling Format:

All Aaron Chang Limited Edition Prints are printed on Fujichrome Crystal Archival photographic paper. We then face mount the print directly to a sheet of Lexan acrylic using a state of the art adhesive to permanently bond the photo paper to the Lexan. This process of mounting the face of the photo paper to the back of the Lexan creates an added depth to the prints that is breathtaking. “It looks so real it appears that you can step through the frame and into the image.” is the comment we hear in the gallery daily. The added benefits of using this process are greater protection of the image, avoiding the costly and fragile nature of framing under glass, and increased safety for the art during transport or in the event of an earthquake. Many clients prefer to hang the face mounted art without framing choosing instead the optional hidden wood frame backing that allows the art to hang suspended 3/4 “ off the wall.

A spectacular three-dimensional work of art featuring a photograph taken by Aaron Chang was featured in the Fall issue of Boho Magazine. This stunning waterfall image from Bali, Indonesia comes to life as a fountain featuring live plants and soothing waters.

Read the full Boho Magazine article here!

Read the full Sunset Magazine article here!

Partygoers gathered at Aaron Chang Gallery in Solana Beach for the exclusive launch of Tonic by Lauren Otonicar. Guests enjoyed complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and product samples while admiring Chang’s stunning photography.

Read the full Ranch and Coast Magazine article here!