News: Harry Knapp & Walstory
Donna Isham: The Power of Presence
Solo Exhibition Opening at Walstory Gallery
Opening Reception for the Artist Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 | 6-8 p.m.
10.29.25 - In The Power of Presence, Los Angeles–based renowned artist Donna Isham invites viewers into an intimate dialogue between color, form, and feeling. Opening Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Walstory Gallery in Manhattan Beach, 919 Manhattan Ave., the exhibition presents a suite of new abstract and figurative paintings alongside Glass Between Us (2024), a large-scale immersive installation created in collaboration with composer Mark Isham. Together, these works explore the charged spaces between connection and distance, presence and absence, chaos and clarity. The opening reception is 6-8 p.m.
Walstory Gallery Hosts LA’s Finest Group Exhibition and Artist Reception, Oct. 17, 2025, 6-8 p.m.
10.6.25 - Walstory Gallery, the premier art destination in the South Bay, is excited to announce its upcoming group exhibition and public reception, “LA’s FINEST,” featuring eight of Los Angeles’s most innovative and celebrated contemporary artists. This exclusive event highlights a dynamic range of styles, from Neo-Expressionism and vibrant Pop Art to captivating Street Art and sophisticated mixed media.
The reception will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Walstory Art Gallery, 919 Manhattan Ave in Manhattan Beach. The public is invited to attend the free reception, meet the artists, and view their exceptional artwork.
Walstory Gallery is dedicated to elevating the cultural landscape of the South Bay, solidifying its role as a hub for cutting-edge contemporary art. This exhibition is a testament to the gallery’s mission to connect the local community with world-class artistic talent.
Walstory Art Gallery Presents Acclaimed Artist Michael Gorman’s “Americana: Cowboys to Ballerinas” Solo Exhibition
8.27.25 - Walstory Art Gallery is honored to host renowned contemporary artist Michael Gorman for his solo exhibition, "Americana: Cowboys to Ballerinas." The public is invited to an exclusive artist's reception on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, located at 919 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach.
Guests will have a unique opportunity to meet Gorman in person and be among the first to explore his latest work. Known for his distinctive style, Gorman masterfully uses bold primary colors, silhouettes, and a sense of motion to capture the essence of his subjects. His art can be found in over 2,000 personal collections and several museums worldwide. Read more
Walstory Art Gallery Opening Elevates South Bay Arts and Culture Scene Community Event Planned for April 24, 2025, 5-7 p.m.
4.10.25 - The South Bay’s arts and culture scene is set to expand with the grand opening of Walstory, a new art gallery founded by local mixed-media artist Harry Knapp.
To celebrate the gallery opening the community is invited to a grand opening event on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Walstory, 919 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and guests will enjoy a cocktail party and have the opportunity to meet some of the artists represented at the gallery. One piece of art ($10,000 value) will be auctioned off around 6:30 p.m. with all proceeds going to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation.
Profile: Harry Knapp: Creative Liberation
By David Stewart, Aegist, 7.26.23
It is amazing how many of us have imposter syndrome, no matter what level of impact we are having. It seems to be part of the built-in wiring of being a human; most of us seem to feel a level of not being worthy. Harry Knapp has produced and been involved with some massively successful films and is now one of the most successful non-represented artists in the world — an astonishing feat for someone who has only recently worked in the manner he does now. Still, Harry carries doubts about himself and his abilities. But then, that is what makes Harry so wonderfully vulnerable and human.
This is a soulful man who was in a business not always known for that: producing big-time movies. These are major endeavors, and the drive to succeed can be as powerful as anything on Wall Street. Harry, in his calm, self-reflective way, stands apart, believing deeply in story creativity, and emotion. He also gets stuff done: he is the one who put together the team, actors and resources, then spent 6 months in a jungle getting Werner Herzog to complete Rescue Dawn. Not something for the faint of heart or spirit. It may seem all glam on the red carpet, but this is a tough, demanding career that can take a huge toll on one’s body and relationships.
Then the pandemic came and, as with many of us, it delivered a strong dose of self-examination and a career re-think which, for him, led to an outpouring of art. His images were immediately a hit. It may seem like a miraculous overnight success, but the preparation took 59 years of walking the earth and looking into himself for what really mattered. As with all of us, we are who we are, doing what we do, because of the experience, knowledge, and wisdom we have accumulated along the road of life. Harry’s was hard won.