Photo essay: A tour of the HAT Gallery and Lounge downtown

by SKYLER JOSEPH

Staff Photographer

A new kind of art gallery just opened its doors in downtown Fredericksburg last month. HAT Gallery and Lounge, located at 1409 Princess Anne St., operates as an art gallery, lounge, retail store and venue. According to owner and Administrative Director Andre Powell, HAT Gallery and Lounge is an art and lifestyle company. The company focuses on selling ethically made and sustainable artwork and clothing and hopes to connect with the community by using the space as a venue for community and private events, according to Assistant Administrator Matthew McCormick.

“Our focus is bringing people together with music, art, comedy and a sense of being,” said Powell. 

The gallery features paintings by Californian painter Jimmy Ovadia, known for his sustainable abstract surrealist artwork, live paintings and tributes to famous musicians. Ovadia’s collection of sustainable paintings was made using recycled plywood as canvas and is textured with pieces of recycled wood. Ovadia’s live paintings were created during public performances like concerts, festivals and other music events.

HAT Gallery and Lounge also sells clothing from Luna Wild Collection, a sustainable clothing company that ethically handmakes dresses and kimonos out of upcycled traditional Indian Saris, according to their website. The clothing company is partnered with Purnata, a non-profit organization based in India that works to end human trafficking and rehabilitate its survivors, according to the Purnata website.

The gallery is planning a grand opening event for June, but for now, its doors are open for anyone to come see the artwork, shop or check out the location. Here is a tour of HAT Gallery and Lounge’s artwork and space.