Grasping two large chunks of charcoal, Marilyn Kalish quickly began to draw black lines bursting with movement on a white surface. Soon, the beginnings of figures emerged, hinting at the subject of the final piece.
The longtime working artist recently opened West Newton Gallery at 1286 Washington Street, West Newton with her husband Alan Kalish. She has created many bold scenes of lithe women, dynamic horses and other animals, and a few political images, among other subjects. Her artworks hang throughout the gallery, some adorned with shimmering gold paint, others permeated by deeper hues. The couple said the space will feature additional artists in the future.
Marilyn Kalish’s artwork is on view at the West Newton Gallery on Washington Street. (courtesy photo) 
Marilyn Kalish’s artwork is on view at the West Newton Gallery on Washington Street. (courtesy photo) 
Artist Marilyn Kalish sketches with charcoal inside the West Newton Gallery on Washington Street (photo: Julie M. Cohen) 
Artist Marilyn Kalish and her husband Alan Kalish stand next to some of her creations inside the West Newton Gallery on Washington Street (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
In addition to showcasing her own work, Kalish is aiming to make the gallery feel like a community space where kids can come in and express themselves by creating their own pieces – all for free.
The couple invites people to call and visit. Aspiring artists can bring their own supplies or share Kalish’s. They can also receive feedback and suggestions to help them on their own creative journeys.
“It’s a really good feeling if you can help someone,” she said.
Enriching the art scene
Constantly sketching, Kalish said she often asks herself about “what’s working, what’s not working,” with each piece. “If I’m excited – I just know it’s working,” she said on a recent weekday.
Coming from a family of artists, Kalish said she used to help her grandfather prep his studio, where she would observe him and learn about his techniques.
The West Newton location is Kalish’s latest business and brings back another creative space to the village after Artitudes Gallery closed there last year.
Before opening in Newton, she and her husband owned The Vault Gallery in Great Barrington for more than 20 years, closing only when the original landlord died and the new owner decided to convert the building. Ahead of shutting down The Vault, the Kalishes moved to Wellesley to be closer to their son and help raise their grandson. Eventually, they decided to open a gallery closer to their new home.
Happy to be in a more diverse area in Newton, Kalish said she enjoys being closer to institutions like the Museum of Fine Art.
Although her finished pieces are at the gallery, her current studio space is in Framingham. Soon, she plans to transition it to West Newton.
“I like the idea that it’s a working gallery space,” she said.
