Boston’s SoWa Art & Design District is about to get a brushstroke of brilliance when Sitka Gulergun (Sitka) opens his second studio on Harrison Avenue. The passionate artist has painted at his gallery and home decor shop on Newbury Street for over four years. Happily, hand-mixing vibrant colors, Sitka has been creating smile-inspiring florals, lovely landscapes, pretty pillows, and a lot of joy. Although he has over four decades of experience designing for luminaries like Ralph Lauren, Sitka approaches his craft with the refreshing wonder and enthusiasm of a child seeing the sun for the first time. His wife and biggest fan Helaine happily curates the gallery. Talking with the team is like opening a sky full of light. We can’t wait to visit the new space in SoWa.

What have you enjoyed about painting at your gallery on Newbury Street?
I love to paint and I love to talk to people whether they are five or 95. A couple of young girls started crying when they watched me paint. It shows my emotional view when they understand. It is singing a song or listening to music. Each brushstroke is like a musical note creating harmony.
Has the Sitka Gulergun style changed over the years?

The Turkish-born versatile contemporary expressionist’s style defies words. He tells us it’s a mindset. I am not a commercial artist, I am a fine artist who looks at the details that most people cannot see in real life: the way the wind blows and how the light changes. I am a 24/7 artist. I amuse myself by painting.
Do you have a favorite painting?
Everything. They are all my children and my children that have not been born yet.
What made you decide to open a second gallery in SoWa?

It is impossible to show my work in one place. I have so many paintings hidden in my backyard. SoWa is a wonderful art colony. I want to expand my art and influence the world. Sitka is excited to expand his brand of happiness with color and texture.
Where will the new studio be located?
Sitka Home Art Gallery’s second studio will be located in Boston’s SoWa Art & Design District at 450 Harrison Avenue in Gallery #37-39.
When will the studio open?
We are planning to open the first week of March. It will also be fun for people to attend the first Friday for SoWa’s Open Gallery night on March 7th.
How do you want people to feel in the gallery?

Wow is the first word most people say. I want people to feel happiness inside and for the future. I want people to open up and feel better.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I am just a name, a person with a brush. Part of my soul reaches up to the sky. My paintings are for the future.
We have a series called Voices where we feature interesting people, tastemakers and leaders from all over the world! Check out our latest with Jasmina Aganovic from Future Society.
Leave a Reply