ZYNKA Gallery in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, celebrates its fifth anniversary. Founded by Jeff Jarzynka in November 2019, the gallery represents over 50 mostly regional artists. Its current exhibition, “Time Between Echoes,” features Dutch-born artist Hans Neleman and runs through June 8. The gallery faced an early challenge when it had to close just months after opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it reopened in summer 2020 with timed visits. Jarzynka has since expanded his curatorial work, including curating exhibitions for The Portal Art Gallery at Bakery Square in East Liberty since February 2024.
The milestone matters because it highlights the resilience and growth of a small, independent gallery in a post-industrial Pittsburgh suburb. ZYNKA’s survival and expansion—despite opening just before a global pandemic—demonstrate the viability of regional art scenes and the importance of community-focused spaces. The gallery’s success also underscores how local galleries can adapt, build momentum through partnerships (like with Bakery Square), and sustain a loyal collector base, including international buyers.