Jaden McCreary "Growing Pains" Solo Exhibition

Opening Reception: January 10, 2026 @ 5-7pm

"My recent work moves through the quiet terrain of subconscious thought; those impressions that linger, persistent and unspoken. Growing Pains becomes a map of these inner landscapes, where surrealism and texture trace recurring themes of religion, discipline, fear, and desire. Figures emerge fragmented, present yet dissolving, suspended in a liminal state: both self and symbol, grounded and vanishing. Against raw, natural environments, they mirror the architecture of my inner world, a world negotiating belief, autonomy, and the weight of taking up space. Rooted in the tactile act of making and unmaking, this body of work is both physical and poetic. My fears of smallness, of silence, stand beside my deepest desires, creating a space where contradiction breathes. As a queer Black artist, my body becomes a site of expansion, political not by intention but by existence. Through texture, gesture, and surreal figuration, I imagine Blackness beyond the oppressive gaze, unshackled, capacious, whole. These works speak in a language that is at once ancient and contemporary, echoing vernacular histories while conjuring worlds where Black beings are encountered in their fullness, their joy, their aliveness.

Growing Pains is an offering: a lens into my evolving awareness, a moment to be present and grounded in the mix of what makes us whole. It is worldmaking through the intimate, where rigor meets grace, and where the ephemeral becomes eternal." - Jaden McCreary

Meet Jaden at Pencil on Paper Gallery on January 10, 2026 @ 6pm*

Art & Community

For the love of art and culture...

At Valerie Gillespie Contemporary, our mission is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive arts community in the city of Dallas. Through our artist residencies, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, we strive to foster creativity, empower artists, and inspire meaningful connections between creatives and the wider DFW community.

We provide opportunities for emerging, mid-career, and established artists to further develop their craft and explore new artistic horizons. Our artist residencies offer a supportive environment where artists can immerse themselves in their work, collaborate with leaders in the DFW arts scene, and engage in critical dialogue and artistic experimentation. In addition to our artist residencies, we are committed to offering a diverse range of workshops and educational programs that empower artists with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to thrive in today's art world. These workshops and events cover various aspects of a variety of artistic disciplines. Through these educational endeavors, we aim to foster artistic growth, encourage interdisciplinary exploration, and nurture a lifelong passion for the arts. At the heart of our organization lies a strong belief in the power of community engagement. We strive to connect artists with the broader Dallas community through exhibitions at the conclusion of each residency. By facilitating these connections, we seek to create meaningful dialogues, promote cultural understanding, and inspire social change through the transformative power of art.

Valerie Gillespie Contemporary is also committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms. We actively seek to amplify underrepresented voices and support marginalized communities. We believe that art can transcend boundaries, challenge perspectives, and foster empathy, and we are dedicated to utilizing these qualities to promote positive change. Ultimately, Valerie Gillespie Contemporary aspires to be a catalyst for artistic excellence, community engagement, and cultural enrichment in the city of Dallas. We strive to create a thriving ecosystem where artists can flourish, ideas can thrive, and the transformative power of art can be experienced by all.

Become a supporter of the arts...

As a supporter of Valerie Gillespie Contemporary we welcome you to join our community of art lovers and support our mission to promote cultural understanding and creativity within the DFW arts scene!

Donate

Mon	Closed
Tue	Closed
Wed	By Appointment
Thu	By Appointment
Fri	By Appointment
Sat	12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Sun	By Appointment

Valerie Gillespie Contemporary

Valerie Gillespie Contemporary