The Gallery Hangover

Janet Milhomme . Photographer

In this episode of The Gallery Hangover Podcast, host Yessíca Torres sits down with Los Angeles-based photographer and mixed-media artist Janet Milhomme to discuss her artwork currently featured in Forma y Función at Dama Gallery in Ventura. Drawing from a distinguished career in journalism, photography, and visual storytelling, Janet shares how observation, narrative, and technical precision continue to shape her artistic practice. The conversation explores her passion for experiencing new exhibitions, supporting fellow artists, and remaining actively engaged in the creative community—not only as an artist, but as a dedicated advocate for the arts. Together, they discuss the evolution of Janet's career, from internationally exhibited and award-winning photography to her growing desire to return to painting and explore new creative directions. Janet reflects on the importance of experimentation, artistic growth, and allowing oneself the freedom to evolve after achieving success in a particular medium. The episode also highlights the role of curiosity, lifelong learning, and community in sustaining a creative practice. Whether discussing exhibitions, collecting experiences, or the constant pursuit of new challenges, Janet offers thoughtful insights into what it means to remain creatively engaged throughout a lifetime in the arts.

The Founders

Season 2 kicks off with host Yessíca Torres and friend, show producer, and Pacific + Main co-founder Rodrigo Aguilar reflecting on a relationship that spans more than 16 years of friendship and nearly 15 years of building businesses, creative projects, and community together. In this candid premiere episode, the duo shares the origin story behind Pacific + Main, the evolution of Dama Gallery, and the often-unseen realities of building something meaningful in the contemporary art world. From humble beginnings and early struggles to navigating growth, criticism, and shifting industry dynamics, they discuss the lessons learned from more than a decade of entrepreneurship and creative collaboration. The conversation also dives into the art experience they strive to create for artists, collectors, and audiences; one centered on authenticity, accessibility, and genuine engagement rather than trends or gatekeeping. Along the way, they tackle a topic every entrepreneur eventually encounters: haters. Why do some people root against success? Why does visibility attract criticism? And how do you stay focused when others are invested in your failure? Equal parts reflective, humorous, and unapologetically honest, this season premiere explores friendship, resilience, business, art, and the importance of continuing forward when the world gives you every reason to quit.

Ep. 7 Jem Atwater . Painter

In the seventh episode of The Gallery Hangover, gallerist Yessíca Torres sits down with painter Jem Atwater to discuss her evolving practice and deep connection to the Ventura art community. Based at Pacific and Main Creative Workspace, Jem reflects on the positive impact of having a dedicated studio environment, both for her own growth and for the collaborative energy it fosters among artists working within the space. Known for her oil paintings that blend traditional technique with a contemporary sensibility, Jem shares insight into her approach to capturing light, atmosphere, and movement, particularly through her coastal inspired landscapes. The conversation also highlights her ongoing collaboration with painter Gabriel Islas, including the painting classes they lead together and their shared commitment to mentorship and community building. Looking ahead, Jem discusses her upcoming exhibition at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, where she is creating a new body of large scale seascapes that expand both the physical and conceptual scope of her work. She also introduces a growing interest in animal portraiture, signaling an exciting shift and expansion within her practice. Through this post opening conversation, Jem offers a thoughtful perspective on balancing studio work, teaching, and community engagement, while continuing to develop a body of work rooted in observation, discipline, and place.

Ep. 6 Last Place Art Club . Art Collective

In the sixth episode of The Gallery Hangover, gallerist Yessíca Torres hosts the first group conversation of the series with the founders of The Last Place Art Club, Devin O’Reilly Sullivan, Cheyanne Proctor, and Roger Martel. Recorded in Yessíca’s former studio, now home to the collective, the setting underscores a full circle moment as a new generation reshapes the space and the surrounding art scene. The discussion centers on how The Last Place Art Club is actively revitalizing Ventura’s creative landscape, bringing together a younger wave of artists with a respect for established practices and standards. As these worlds intersect, the result is a dynamic exchange that pushes both energy and intention forward, creating work that feels immediate, collaborative, and deeply engaged. Yessíca reflects on the group if young artists as a return to the spirit of early art collectives, drawing parallels to the raw, community driven movements that once defined major art cities. Together, they discuss how the collective formed, their shared vision, and the momentum building around their upcoming mural project. Through this conversation, the episode captures a turning point in a local art scene driven by collaboration, risk, and the belief that something meaningful happens when artists build together.

Ep. 5 Gabriel Islas . Plein Air Painter

In the fifth episode of The Gallery Hangover, gallerist Yessíca Torres sits down with painter Gabriel Islas to discuss his evolving practice and the launch of PALS, a newly formed plein air painting group that is quickly setting a new standard for a rising generation of landscape painters. Known for his atmospheric oil paintings, Gabriel draws from firsthand experience painting across some of the country’s most striking landscapes, including the Eastern Sierras, the Grand Tetons, and Denali in Alaska. The conversation centers on his commitment to plein air painting, the discipline behind working on site, and how scale, environment, and observation shape his work. Yessíca and Gabriel also discuss his role as an instructor, including his ongoing classes and collaboration with fellow studio artist Jem Atwater. Together, they reflect on the importance of mentorship, community, and creating spaces where painters can develop both technically and conceptually. Positioned at a pivotal moment in his career following major recognition, Gabriel shares insight into his recent work, the formation of PALS, and what lies ahead with their upcoming group exhibition. Through this post opening conversation, he offers a grounded perspective on dedication, growth, and the evolving landscape of contemporary plein air painting.