After attending the School of Industrial Design in Prague, Czech-born artist Eva Drizhal moved to the United States in 1979, and she had a plan: to freely express herself through artistic endeavors in as many ways as possible and align with a community of like-minded individuals who share her commitment to draw, paint and sculpt a reflection of her innermost thoughts and the world around her. Drizhal found that community in Callicoon, NY, where she has lived for almost 30 years.

“I have always dreamed of having my own space to manage,” Drizhal said, “and I have had experiences, both good and bad, in many others and learned how it goes. Knowing a lot of artists who were willing to expose their work alongside mine, I got a great opportunity to rent space on Main Street in Callicoon, and acted fast.” Seizing the moment, Eva did just that. “In one month, I created with my family team a space that was just what I was hoping for… clean, great elegant colors, right lights, simple and a welcoming place, where you can feel comfortable and see the works of many local artists who may not be widely known, but are willing to show their expressions.”

Calling on several friends in the area, Drizhal created her first show, “Primavera,” featuring Elise Freda, Naomi Teppich, Armand Agresti, Nancy Wells, Hana Marritz, Zac Shavrick and her own works. “I would like to create non-judgmental shows for everybody who is willing to participate—graphic artists, painters, woodworkers, sculptors, and those who work in collage, among others. I believe that everybody expressing themselves has [not only] the right to do it, but also to be able to show it.”

Clearly, Drizhal’s community is in full support of her vision, and as Gallery Eva opened its doors last weekend, friends, artists and aficionados streamed in to be among the first to see her dream come to fruition. With the exception of Agresti, who had a prior commitment, the artists represented were on hand for the opening reception and shared some thoughts on what it meant to them for Gallery Eva to be opening in Callicoon.

“I’m extremely impressed with the gallery,” metal sculptor Shavrick said, “and the opening feels like something local people had been waiting for and just didn’t realize it. I will be showing regularly here with a frequent rotation of smaller, affordable sculptures which are part of a larger line that I’ll be creating over the coming season.”

Echoing Shavrick’s sentiments, painter Elise Freda expounded on her feelings. “Why do I like showing my work in Callicoon? Because it’s a stimulating and vibrant experience to exhibit my work within the context of the community that serves as the visual source for so many of my paintings. Callicoon’s mountains, fields, the river and skies, are all jumping-off places for my imagery, and Callicoon is rich with visual resources.”

Multi-media artist Wells agreed. “I could not be happier that Gallery Eva has opened in Callicoon,” she enthused. “Eva herself is a very accomplished and passionate individual and brings to the gallery a flexible artistic taste. I have an enormous body of work in a wide range of disciplines, and without this gallery, much of my artwork would stay hidden on shelves in storage.”

It became clear that all of the artists currently represented in the gallery share Drizhal’s vision and commitment to exhibit their work locally. “Being able to show my work in Callicoon is a real pleasure,” Teppich said. “The gallery is professionally put together [with] light grey walls, and the lighting brings out the best qualities of the work. It’s nice to show within the community and have my works exposed to the people who inhabit the area and who identify with the natural beauty of the Upper Delaware River region.”

“My expectations for the future are simple,” Drizhal concluded. “Definitely not to be rich,” she said, “but I’m just happy to serve others in realizing how art is important in our lives, and how much richer [we] can be when we understand and respect that.”

As for the future, Eva has great plans. Curating more shows on a continual basis and book readings, music, theatre and after-hour shows are but a few of the ideas that she is working on. Quoting Albert Einstein, Drizhal shared that “one of the strongest motives that lead men to art and science is escape from everyday life.” For now, that everyday life includes a new destination for those seeking a better understanding of how art influences those who have the talent to express themselves, on the banks of the Delaware, in Callicoon, NY.

Gallery Eva is located at 35 Lower Main Street and is open Friday through Monday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., or by appointment. For more information call 845/887-3202.