By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/13/26 – In a city already celebrated for its thriving arts scene, Mark Pellegrino is carving out a meaningful new lane with Impell Gallery, a space dedicated not to the already established, but to the undiscovered, the underrepresented, and the artist still waiting for their moment.
“I want these artists to be seen,” Pellegrino shared during our recent Zoom conversation. “Sales are great, of course, but exposure is everything. My job is to get their work out into the world.”
Founded just about a year ago, Impell Gallery has already made a significant impact. Pellegrino took over the space in October and launched his first exhibition shortly after. In just twelve months, the gallery has showcased 25 different artists, an impressive feat that reflects both his passion and his mission.
What sets Impell apart is its intentional focus on artists who might otherwise struggle to find gallery representation. In a region where many artists work independently or show in their own studios, Pellegrino recognized a gap.
“Most galleries want artists who are already known,” he explained. “But there are so many talented people here who don’t have that platform. I wanted to create a place where their work could hang on a gallery wall and be taken seriously.”
Pellegrino’s approach to curating is both intuitive and strategic. He actively seeks out artists at local shows, through referrals, and increasingly, through submissions as the gallery gains recognition.
“I love all artists,” he said candidly, “but not every artist is ready for a gallery. There’s a vetting process. I look for work that complements other artists and creates a cohesive show.”
Each exhibition typically features three to four artists, spanning mediums from painting and sculpture to ceramics, collage—and increasingly, photography.
Spotlight on Read Brown
One of the gallery’s current highlights is the work of photographer Read Brown, whose pieces are once again on display at Impell.
Pellegrino first encountered Brown through Karyl Ketchum, a respected figure in the local art community. What began as a casual introduction quickly evolved into a creative collaboration.
“I looked at her work on her phone, and I said, ‘You’re pretty good, let’s talk,’” he recalled with a smile.
Brown’s photography, particularly her latest exhibition, Moments, captures fleeting, often enigmatic human experiences. Her figurative images invite viewers to ask questions: What is happening here? Why this moment?
“If a photograph makes you curious, if it begs questions, I’m fascinated by it,” Pellegrino said. “She has an incredible eye and a point of view you don’t see often.”
This marks Brown’s second showing at the gallery, a testament not only to her evolving body of work but also to Pellegrino’s commitment to nurturing artists over time.
Pellegrino is candid about his own evolution when it comes to photography.
“There was a time I didn’t think photography was art,” he admitted. “But I’ve learned, it absolutely is. There’s just as much thought, intelligence, and creativity behind a photograph as there is behind a painting or sculpture.”
He points to the growing recognition of photography in major collections and institutions as evidence of its importance and ensures it holds a meaningful place within his exhibitions.
Perhaps one of Impell Gallery’s most distinctive qualities is its atmosphere. Pellegrino doesn’t just host exhibitions, he creates events.
“In Palm Springs, if you’re going to do something, make it an event,” he said. “People here love to connect.”
And connect they do. On busy weekends and during the Second Thursday Art Walk, the gallery draws between 200 and 500 visitors, ranging from seasoned collectors to first-time art buyers, philanthropists, and curious newcomers.
Unlike traditional galleries that can feel intimidating, Impell is intentionally welcoming.
“I don’t want people to feel afraid to walk in,” Pellegrino emphasized. “I want them to talk to me, meet the artists, have conversations. That’s what makes people fall in love with art.”
Another key element of Impell’s philosophy is accessibility, not just in atmosphere, but in pricing.
“I encourage artists to keep their prices approachable,” Pellegrino said. “If people can take art home, it becomes part of their lives, and that’s how artists grow.”
This strategy is working. Many visitors leave not just inspired, but as new collectors, often discovering artists they might never have encountered elsewhere.
Located in Palm Springs’ Arts District at 610 South Belardo Road, Impell Gallery has quickly become a destination for those seeking fresh perspectives and meaningful artistic discovery.
With a growing mailing list that includes collectors and art professionals from across the country, and even internationally, the gallery’s reach continues to expand.
For Pellegrino, however, the heart of it all remains simple:
“It’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, where artists feel supported, and where something new can be discovered every time, you walk in.”
click below for our exclusive interview:
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Impell Gallery – 610 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs
Instagram: @ImpellGallery
