A tribute to the late Victor Bailey, an internationally acclaimed jazz bassist and visual artist, will mark the closure of the Spencer Lofts Gallery on Dec. 9. Bailey resided at the Lofts for approximately two years before his death last year.
It seems fitting that Victor Bailey’s work would be the final exhibition at the Spencer Lofts Gallery.
The internationally recognized jazz musician, who died last year from complications related to MS/ALS, was once a resident of the Spencer Lofts while serving as a bass professor at Berklee College of Music. After pursuing visual art alongside his music career, he amassed an impressive body of paintings that were prominently displayed in the gallery following its reopening two years ago. The exhibition attracted substantial attendance and became a defining moment for the gallery housed in the loft building.
According to Dar DeVita, the gallery’s coordinator, “He passed away in November 2016 and lived here about two years ago,” DeVita announced this week that Bailey’s fundraising exhibition would be the gallery’s final show. “He was a lovely man and everyone got along great with him here. He was always so happy and loved it here. He really loved that people in the building knew him for his painting, and not just his jazz. After we had closed the first time, he was our re-opening show. Now, sadly, he will be our last show before we close again.”
The fundraiser aims to support Bailey’s estate through sales of his remaining artworks held by his family. His paintings will be displayed and offered for purchase, with proceeds directed to the Victor Bailey Estate and Berklee College of Music.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9, from 4-8 p.m. at the Gallery at Spencer Lofts. On-site parking is available.
Throughout the evening, several of Bailey’s Berklee colleagues will perform live jazz music, honoring both his musical legacy and his artistic accomplishments.
Bailey was born into a musical family in Philadelphia in 1960 and attended Berklee, where he launched a highly successful jazz career while also composing numerous R&B songs for major recording artists.
An accomplished bassist and Associate Professor of Bass at Berklee College of Music, Bailey performed and recorded with Sonny Rollins, Lady Gaga, Miriam Makeba, Madonna, Mary J. Blige and numerous other artists throughout his distinguished career. He also recorded periodically with Chelsea native Chick Corea.
Bailey served as bassist for two of jazz-fusion’s most influential ensembles: Weather Report, where he succeeded the legendary Jaco Pastorius, and Steps Ahead.
His visual art drew inspiration from his extensive jazz background.
DeVita noted that the closing carries bittersweet significance for the Gallery. While many Chelsea residents have valued its role in the city’s arts community, DeVita explained that building residents have lost interest in maintaining the space. “We are closing it down,” she said. “I’ve resigned as of Jan. 1 and there is no one taking over. The building doesn’t understand the value of the gallery and my time is up. I’m hoping the show will spark some interest in someone to take over. Maybe it will be a person in the building that will see the value of this and want to keep it going. If not, it will just close.”
When the lofts were constructed more than a decade ago, the Gallery represented a significant cultural asset for Chelsea, serving as one of the few dedicated arts venues in the city.
Admission and reception are complimentary and open to the public. The Victor Bailey Exhibit continues through December 31, 2017. Gallery hours are by appointment.
Accessible parking and on-street parking are both available.