Four Months of Light: Our Residency at Art is Bond

Sunshine
Aug 4
2 min read

Residency: February 1 – May 31, 2025 Opening Night: February 13, 2025 | Montclair, NJ Featured Artist: Brielle “Sunshine” Wallace

Earlier this year, Imagination by Sunshine stepped into a new chapter — a 4-month residency at Art is Bond, located in the heart of Montclair at 8 Lackawanna Plaza. It was more than a show. It was a season.

From February through May 2025, the gallery became home to Sunshine’s dreamlike landscapes, fine art and emotionally resonant portraits — each one whispering its own quiet truth. This residency was an exploration of memory, place, and the power of imagination to shape how we see the world around us.

Brielle Wallace featured as Art is Bond's artist; painting flowers and landscape. Text: Feb 1-May 31, Imagination by Sunshine. QR code. — Event Flyer

🎉 Opening Night Recap: A Night to Remember

Thursday, February 13, 20257–9PM | 100+ Attendees | 10,000+ IG Ad Views

Opening night was electric. Over 100 people filtered through the gallery space — some familiar faces, many new — all connected by a shared curiosity and appreciation for the work. The atmosphere was vibrant yet tender, filled with reflection, conversation, and an overwhelming sense of support.

Our promotional campaign reached over 10,000 people through Instagram alone — marking one of our most visible and successful events to date.

Guests paused at each piece, took photos, asked questions, and shared their own stories sparked by the imagery. Many were introduced to Imagination by Sunshine for the very first time — and left with a deeper connection not just to the art, but to the artist herself.

Woman in white dress sits on wooden bench by sunflowers, gazing at lush field. "Save the Date" for art event, Feb 13, 2025, 7PM-9PM. — Opening Night at Art is Bond

🎨 About the Work

Sunshine’s debut landscape collection made its official public appearance at this residency. Through rich oils and acrylics, she crafted lush, intimate scenes where Black women sat with nature — reflective, resilient, and still. These paintings blended whimsical storytelling with grounded emotion, exploring identity, softness, and space to just be.

Organic forms and surrealist layers invited viewers to experience life through the eyes of a dreamer — someone raised in Montclair, shaped by movement, and inspired by stillness.

This was more than art on a wall — it was visual poetry. A celebration of imagination as resistance, as joy, and as everyday truth.

Three people smile in front of a white brick wall, next to a table with framed art. They're in casual attire, creating a warm, friendly mood. — Film Director Thomas Benty attends Artist Opening

🫶 Why This Residency Mattered

Art is Bond is a space that centers community, Black creativity, and intentional storytelling — and this residency felt like a homecoming in every sense. It was local, but the impact rippled far. The experience brought new collectors into the fold, opened the door to future residencies, and affirmed the unique voice behind Imagination by Sunshine.

Three people converse by a brick wall. One wears a brown coat, another a gray sweater and camo pants. A red pillow reads "BLACK." — Philadelphia Chef Daniel Rose Attends Artist Opening

🖼️ Missed the Show?

Some prints from this collection are still available:👉 [Shop the collection here] Or join our collector list for early access to the next drop.

☀️ Stay Close to the Light

Thank you to everyone who came, reposted, supported, and stood in the space with us. This residency reminded us that art thrives when it’s rooted in community.Stay close to the light — and keep imagining.

👉 [Subscribe to The Sunbeam] for more behind-the-scenes stories and upcoming shows.