CHEMICAL REACTION

CHEMICAL REACTION

Art + Music Exhibition Opening Reception: Friday, January 9, 2026 | 6–10 PM

Gasper Arts Center

250 S Federal Hwy #14, Dania Beach, FL 33004

Chemical Reaction is a collaborative art + music exhibition presenting 16 visual works created in direct response to original musical compositions. Developed by Kelcie McQuaid, the exhibition explores exchange between sound and vision - where tone, beat and emotional frequency activate material responses across paint and fiber on transparent circular substrates.

Each artwork functions as a visual “reaction” to sound, translating auditory experience into physical form. Positioned as an ekphrastic and sensory experiment, Chemical Reaction extends Kelcie McQuaid’s social practice via ShangriLa Collective by foregrounding collaboration as both process and outcome.

The project emphasizes action, reaction, and acceptance - recognizing how creative exchange permanently alters all participants through contact. Soundscapes featured in the exhibition were created by a diverse group of musicians and artists, each contributing an original musical composition that directly informed a corresponding visual work:

Chris Horgan @sweetbronco

Brady Newbill @nervousmonks

Lindsey Mills @chillylmilly

Richard Vergez @dickvergez

Rick Smith @1ftblast

Eric Ivan @ericivan_

Gwen Karabensh @lakeworthfaeriebard

Sara Taubenkimel @sushisleepbox

Maitejosune Urrechaga + Tony Kapel @pocketoflollipops

Carli Acosta, Peter Allen + Emma Arevalo @palominoblond

J Phillip Wilkins @lucrativeangst

Ethan Bartman @ethanbartman

Marcela Aguero + John Messing @thegreytones.music

David Koenig @eyelinedigital

Hunter Isbell @hunterisbellcooking

Kelcie McQuaid @KelcieMcQuaid

Together, these collaborations form an immersive dialogue between sound, material, and meaning - inviting viewers to experience how music can shape visual language, emotional texture, and collective authorship.

Each soundscape was prompted by the question “Who in your early life made you feel most accepted?”. Many of these works are dedicated to family, friends and mentors who deeply impacted artists in this exhibition.

On View January 9–30, 2026

Free and open to the public

Closing Reception:

Friday, January 30, 2026 | 6–8 PM

Presented by @shangrilacollective. For updates on programming, follow @gasperartscenter.

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Host or Publisher ShangriLa Collective