GALLERY ONE
Gallery One, located in the front of the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, features a new themed exhibition every month. The shows are open to the public, admission is free. Please see EXHIBITIONS for a complete list of our upcoming shows.
Gallery One Exhibit May 2026
Please join us on Friday, June 5th, from 5:30-8:30 for our Opening Reception!
Ernesto Garcia is a young, undiscovered artist whose compelling journey and raw talent embody the spirit of perseverance and hope. Born amid the political chaos and poverty of Cuba, Ernesto’s early life was marked by struggle, loss, and a relentless pursuit of freedom. In search of a brighter future for his wife and two small children, he made the brave decision to leave behind everything familiar and venture to the United States—driven by a dream of opportunity and the promise of the American Dream.
Ernesto’s art is a vivid testament to his tumultuous journey. His work is characterized by a gritty yet beautiful aesthetic—an intricate dance between darkness and light that captures the complex emotions within us all. To some, his paintings evoke visions of Hell, Purgatory, or Heaven; scenes where life and decay coexist, flourishing amidst adversity. Every brushstroke seems to carry the weight of his experiences, yet also radiates a profound hope, illustrating life’s resilience and the transformative power of perseverance.
What makes Ernesto’s art truly remarkable is its layered depth. As complex and textured as his own story, his paintings invite viewers to look deeper, to discover stories hidden beneath the surface. Each piece resonates with passion—passion born from life’s struggles, love for family, and the unyielding desire for freedom. His vibrant use of color and raw technique reveal a man who finds beauty in chaos and meaning in pain, transforming hardship into inspiring works of art.
Ernesto Garcia’s journey is far from over, but through his art, he shares a universal message: that in the midst of darkness, there is always a flicker of light; in the depths of despair, the seeds of hope and renewal are sown. As he continues to develop his craft, Ernesto remains an artist to watch—a storyteller whose work speaks of resilience, liberation, and the endless pursuit of a better life.
In every canvas, Ernesto tells the story of a man who refused to be defeated by circumstance, choosing instead to forge beauty from the struggle, and hope from adversity. His art, still in its early days of recognition, promises to touch many souls and remind us all of the transformative power of courage and vision.
OUR JUNE POP-UP EXHIBIT
FRITS VAN EEDEN, born on the 13th of March 1944 in Tilburg and later of the Hague, evolved into a internationally recognized artist. After studying at the “Rietveld Acadamy” under Ben Guntenaar (Sculptor), Frits was offered membership to the “Pulchri Studio” were he pursued sculpting and painting. Frits was the first member to be admitted in more than once discipline, which shows in the “3-D” quality of his paintings.
After participating in shows at the “Pulchri Studio” Frits participated in group and one-man show throughout Europe and Asia. The Ministry of Culture, Recreation, and Social Works (CRM) provided Frits with a Stipendium to study the work of Henry Moore, the dream of most young sculptors.
A trip to the United States availed Frits the opportunity to see the work of students at Harvard, where he found that their work was similar to that of Academy-level in Europe. After this experience he made his semi-annual visit to Florida, where in 1979 he entered a juried competition at the Artist Forum of the Brevard Art Center and Museum of Melbourne. His work, two life-size sculptures of horses, won best-in-show. The award being a “One-Man-Show” at the museum, only the second time such honor has been awarded. Under a grant from The State of Florida, Frits was give the position of Artist-in-Residence at the museum and served on-and-off as a major instructor for 30 years.
Frits was a beloved artist, teacher and friend to many here in Brevard County. He passed away in 2022. A collection of his work has become available for sale. From large paintings on canvas to original works on paper and decorative items. The work is on exhibit during June in our Pop-Up Gallery Space.
A Virtual Visit
MEMBER ARTISTS
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is an artist owned co-op. Our gallery member artists are local professional artists, many are nationally recognized! They are what makes our gallery the best in Central Florida.
Gallery Members
Our Artists at Work
Reviews & Comments
Kevin Roberts Local Guide·16 reviews·5 photos
a year ago
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery has been my neighbor for something like 20 years now over here in Eau Gallie. Always beautiful and intriguing art of every description. A credit to the the Arts District, a gem!
5 STAR REVIEW
D SMITH
6 years ago
Went by to pick up my 100% Pure Entry and met Mark Mittleman. He was getting the next sjow set up for March. He was so bubbly and excited about his artwork. It was contagious! I enjoyed talking to him about his art and the upcoming show, “DOUBLE VISION”. Opening Friday, March 1 at 5:30pm. Looks good!
5 STAR REVIEW
8 years ago
What an awesome find, a true gem. It’s wonderful that Melbourne has an arts district and Fifth avenue Art Gallery really stands out. Its a must visit place in Melbourne, tucked away near the water. The variety of art done by local artists is noteworthy. I’m a recent transplant to the area from San Diego CA and I found more quality pieces in Fifth Avenue art Gallery than I did in San Diego arts district. Places like this really mark Melbourne as an up and coming area. Support the arts and visit this gallery, purchase original art, you will be glad you did!
5 STAR REVIEW
Patricia Foster (Mayalilium)
Local Guide·1,151 reviews·6710 photos
2 months ago
Very lovely display of unique art and creations. Nice people working here too
5 STAR REVIEW
D WELLER
11 months ago
Beautiful art in this gallery. So glad we stopped to see it. As artists from Florida’s west coast, we appreciated touring this gallery. …
GALLERY HOUR
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY 11:00-4:00. (Or by appointment)
We will be closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
