Abby D'Alessio and her husband Josh, former leaders of the Bangor-based Health Equity Alliance (HEAL)—which operated a syringe exchange and closed in April amid financial turmoil—have opened Selah Gallery on Main Street in Winterport, Maine. The gallery, named after a Biblical word meaning 'pause' and 'reflect,' offers a space for mindful contemplation and sells a mix of artwork, skin care products, jewelry, and accessories, with pieces priced from a few hundred dollars to $100,000. Abby D'Alessio, who stepped down as HEAL's harm reduction manager in December, curates the gallery, while Josh D'Alessio is a featured photographer. The space also includes the 'Canvas of Courage' project, which showcases artists who have faced homelessness, substance use, or mental health struggles, such as acrylic painter Ben Rasche.
This story matters because it highlights how former nonprofit leaders are channeling their community-care ethos into the visual arts, creating an inclusive gallery that prioritizes healing and visibility for marginalized artists. The opening of Selah Gallery in a small Maine town reflects a broader trend of art spaces serving as platforms for social impact and personal recovery, offering an alternative to traditional commercial galleries. It also underscores the resilience of individuals transitioning from public health work to arts entrepreneurship, and the role of local galleries in fostering community connection and supporting underrepresented voices.