Visual artist and arts writer David Acevedo opened DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts in Fort Myers in April 2016, following his passion to bring artists together and to work as a community. It is a cooperative gallery, meaning the artists both work in the gallery and are members of the co-op.

DAAS has coined itself as Southwest Florida's premier fine arts and crafts cooperative art gallery.

"Our focus is on quality, accessibility and client satisfaction," its website says. "We pride ourselves in clean, contemporary, and elegant products and exquisite presentations. The difference is the accessibility to the consumer. Fine art does not have to be out of reach. Visit our beautiful gallery space and experience the joy of collecting art, or find an inspiring gift for a loved one."

Acevedo is the president and handles press releases and promotions for the gallery, as well as all social media. He believes it to be more than a store.

"It is an eclectic space where visionaries and creatives like myself partake in all sorts of arts and culture oriented events," Acevedo said. "It is a magnificent place where people can find handmade items and artwork produced right here in Southwest Florida. It is also a hub for local artists and art patrons."

Acevedo reflected on the inaugural day of the gallery as "out of this world." The event played host to 600 guests, so many that they had to control the access for a bit.

"We thought our [air conditioning] was going to give up on us," Acevedo said. "It was an amazing night and we felt the response from the community as if saying: 'we needed a gallery like this around here!'"

 

As for the future, Acevedo wants DAAS and the Union Artist Studios, which is another venture of his, to become permanent staples of the Fort Myers community.

"I want these places to become icons of an era where art flourished in our city and to be remembered as a pioneer and a true promoter of the arts and the local art scene," he said. "I dream of opening a second and eventually a third DAAS location."

The studio was slow to pick up after Hurricane Irma, but has resumed regular business, having just participated in the October SoCo Second Saturday.

The venue is located at 1400 Colonial Blvd., Suite 84 in Fort Myers. Acevedo said support is needed to remain in business and continue bringing events and works of art to the community.

"I invite everyone, especially those who have never been to our gallery, to come and see what our artists produce," he said. "They’ll be amazed at what we have in store."

For more information, visit daascoop.com.