The Secret Garden Gallery Serves Local Artists and Community

Sometimes a dream deferred doesn’t dry up, but simply waits for a better time to unfold. That’s what Denise Moore, owner of The Secret Garden Gallery, has learned. She had to take a break from the co-working space for artists and art garden she opened in 2018 as the ZAB Cultural Collective on E. Warren near Cadieux.

After a year-long hiatus, though, Denise re-opened in December with a new name and slightly different vision. She’s now committed to the gallery as a place to display and sell the work of local artists - five so far including her own. She also plans to host regular meet-ups where artists can network. “I also want to do at least two art shows this spring and summer,” she says.

Denise intends for The Secret Garden Gallery to be a space for workshops and community events promoting wellness. Her first offering will be belly dancing classes for fun and fitness. The six weekly classes will run from Sunday, April 12, 12-2 p.m. through Sunday, April 17. One of those Sundays will be Mothers Day, but Morningside resident and workshop leader Allison Schulte has planned gift bags and other treats to celebrate. Lessons will be held outdoors, weather permitting, in the garden next to the gallery. For more information and to register, contact Allison at 818-960-9858.

Although the gallery is already light and spacious, “I have a vision to bring the outdoors inside,” Denise says. What does that mean exactly? You’ll have to wait to find out, as she wants the final look to be a surprise.

Denise hopes to have all this in place within the next couple of months. In the meantime, you can visit The Secret Garden Gallery at 16927 E. Warren on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check out their website as well, or call 313-330-3603 for more information.