CHESTER, Vt. – DaVallia is pleased to present “Material Witness,” a new exhibition of mixed-media works by artist Paul Neuman, on view July 17 – Aug. 30. An opening reception will be held Friday, July 17, from 5-7 p.m., at the gallery, located at 39 North Street in Chester, Vt. The public is warmly invited to attend.
Neuman’s work transforms reclaimed materials, vintage printer’s type, weathered wood, found objects, sculpture, and functional forms into richly layered works that explore memory, family, and the passage of time. His assemblages invite viewers to slow down and discover stories hidden within familiar materials, where every surface carries the marks of a previous life.
For more than four decades, Neuman balanced a successful career building a catering company with maintaining an active studio practice in New York City and Connecticut. His lifelong connection to craftsmanship and family history continues to shape his artistic vision.
“Art is storytelling,” says Neuman. “Each work is a puzzle without a single solution. I think of my work as a series of clues that the viewer can use to decipher my life while exploring their own.”
Many of Neuman’s pieces incorporate antique objects and salvaged materials, the natural patina of which become an essential part of the finished work. Fish frequently appear throughout the exhibition as recurring symbols inspired by his childhood in his family’s fish market, representing family, nourishment, history, and personal identity.
The exhibition features wall assemblages, sculpture, lighting, and mixed-media works that bridge fine art and functional design. Together, they reflect Neuman’s enduring interest in transformation – how ordinary objects, shaped by time and experience, can become vessels for memory and meaning.
“Paul’s work resonates with what we value at DaVallia,” say gallery owners Michael and Jessie Alon. “His pieces honor craftsmanship, history, and the beauty found in imperfection. Every work invites viewers to pause, look closer, and discover something new.”
Located in the heart of Chester’s historic Stone Village, DaVallia Gallery represents nationally recognized and emerging artists working across painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and mixed media. Known for thoughtfully curated exhibitions and artfully designed spaces, DaVallia offers visitors an immersive gallery experience where fine art and inspired living come together. DaVallia Gallery is open Thursday-Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.