A Sanctuary For Creativity In A Divided World
By Susan McCalmont
We are living in an unprecedented time. Conflicts—both ideological and physical—dominate the headlines. Division often sounds louder than conversation, and the fast pace of modern life leaves little room for stillness or reflection. In moments like this, I hold onto one belief: creativity is not just a way to express ourselves, it is a universal gift. It connects us, heals us, and can remind us of what we share instead of what divides us.
That belief is what inspired me to open 1515 Lincoln Gallery. From the beginning, my goal was to create more than just a place to view art. I aimed to provide a true sanctuary, an immersive space where people could slow down, find beauty, and connect through creativity. Whether you visit for a new exhibition, listen to live music, share a glass of wine, or simply sit quietly among the artworks, 1515 is meant to be a refuge.
Why the Arts Are Essential in Divided Times
Throughout history, the arts have been humanity’s most enduring response to conflict, uncertainty, and change. Cathedrals, symphonies, novels, and paintings have all conveyed the stories of civilizations long after political battles and daily headlines were forgotten. These works preserve not only their aesthetic beauty but also the values, struggles, and hopes of their era.
Today, research confirms what history shows us. A 2025 review in Frontiers in Public Health found that participation in the arts strengthens social cohesion, reduces isolation, and helps communities build resilience in the face of division. When people gather to view an exhibition, attend a concert, or take part in a workshop, they are not just consuming culture – they are creating common ground. In divided times, this shared creative experience becomes one of the most powerful ways to bridge differences and foster understanding.
How Creativity Strengthens Our Well-Being
But it is not only the community that benefits from the arts – it also impacts us on a deeply personal level. Every person is born with an imaginative spark, and engaging in creativity helps us thrive. Whether it’s painting, journaling, playing an instrument, or simply pausing in front of a work of art, these moments of creative connection positively impact our well-being.
A 2024 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that art-making reduces stress, boosts confidence, and improves overall mental health. In hospitals, schools, and community centers, arts programs have been shown to lower anxiety, improve recovery, and enhance resilience. These findings remind us that creativity is not frivolous. Rather, it is a form of nourishment. Just as food sustains the body, art sustains the mind and spirit, giving us strength to face uncertainty and hope to imagine what comes next.
Learning from Past and Present
At 1515, it is just as important to honor the art of the past as it is to uplift contemporary voices. Historic works give us perspective – they allow us to feel the weight of centuries and see how creativity has guided humanity through struggles and change. Contemporary works, however, speak directly to our present moment. They mirror today’s anxieties, questions, and hopes in real time.
Connecting the past and present encourages us to see the ongoing thread of creativity: a reminder that even as times change, the human urge to create remains constant. When visitors walk through the gallery, I want them to feel that connection, that art is both memory and reflection.
Bringing the past and present into dialogue allows us to see the continuity of creativity: a reminder that while times change, the human impulse to create remains constant. As sculptor Arman Hambardzumyan explains, “I make the past transformation in the present form that can last into the future.” His words capture exactly what we strive for at 1515: to hold space for history and innovation side by side.
1515 as a Personal Vision of Sanctuary
When I founded 1515, I intended to create a space that feels different from other galleries. The 1920s Italian Revival home offers a sense of history and warmth, but what truly matters is what happens inside. Every corner is designed to be inviting and vibrant: paintings that encourage reflection, music and poetry that stir the soul, culinary creations crafted as edible art.
For me, this is not simply about showcasing beautiful objects. It is about cultivating an environment where people feel at peace, inspired, and connected. I want 1515 to be a place where you can exhale after a long day, where strangers become a community, and where creativity opens doors to empathy and understanding.
There are many galleries you could visit. However, 1515 is a special place because it was built with this mission at its heart: to serve as a living sanctuary of art, beauty, and connection in a divided world. It is my deepest wish that everyone who enters these doors feels that spirit and leaves with a renewed sense of possibility.
