Melissa Wallen draws inspiration from a diverse array of sources such as personal snapshots, poetry, music, and art history, forming images which abstract through the malleable nature of memory and the expressive qualities of oil paint. The result is an interplay of elements that coalesce to form spaces rich with fragmentation. Gesture and hue serve as guideposts through emotional landscapes which are built on the convergence of these disparate influences, channeled through the transformative power of painting.
Born in New Jersey, Wallen moved to Miami in 2006. After receiving her BFA in Painting and Fibers at Florida International University, she joined the staff of the de la Cruz Collection, opening the private collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz to the public in Miami’s Design District in 2009. Most recently, she held the position of Director until the collection’s closure in 2024. In 2022, she was recognized as a Knight Arts Champion by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for her ongoing contributions and leadership within Miami’s art community.
Baker—Hall is a contemporary art gallery founded by Amanda Baker—Hall in 2024. It is the successor to her previous project, Club Gallery. The gallery aims to promote emerging and mid-career artists through a fresh curatorial approach, while also offering comprehensive art advisory services. Baker—Hall specializes in painting and sculpture across narrative and non-objective styles, with a focus on collaborating with private collectors and prominent corporate institutions. The gallery boasts a robust exhibition schedule, featuring a minimum of eight rotating exhibitions each year.
Baker—Hall is a proud member of NADA.
1294 NW 29th St.
Miami, FL 33142
914-787-9270 Mobile
[email protected]
Monday—Friday, 12—5 pm
& By Appointment
