CHANDLER, Ariz. – People have been collecting for centuries. The Vision Gallery’s upcoming exhibition “The Collectionists: Artwork by Laura Spalding Best and Heidi Dauphin” explores the human desire to gather through the personal collections of two local artists. The show will be on display at the Vision Gallery from Aug. 22 through Nov. 7.
In 2024, artists Heidi Dauphin and Laura Spalding Best bonded over their shared impulse to collect everyday and found objects, and they collaborated to create “Curiosity Chapel.” This freestanding structure was built from thrifted cabinets and dressers, each drawer containing carefully arranged collections that invited viewers to explore and discover.
In 2026, inspired by audience curiosity and their own momentum, Best and Dauphin chose to “implode” the installation and reuse its contents as the sole material source for a new exhibition: “The Collectionists.”
About the show, artist Heidi Dauphin said, "With hundreds of objects created between the two of us, there will be numerous details to examine, large views to take in, games to play, puzzles to solve, and opportunities for participation. The exhibition will also change throughout its 11-week duration, making multiple visits a must."
To accompany this exhibition, the Chandler Museum will be hosting the Office of Collecting and Design, a traveling museum devoted to the diminutive, the misplaced, the unusual and the forgotten, from Oct. 7-11. Tickets will go on sale later this month.
Join us for events related to the exhibition:
- Opening Reception
- Friday, Sept. 11 from 6-8 p.m.
- RSVP on Eventbrite
Vision Gallery is located at 10 E. Chicago St. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday. Free admission.
Find more information on exhibitions at Vision Gallery or call 480-782-2695.
Media contact:
Jillian Nakornthap
Vision Gallery
480-782-2695