Our Story

VOLITION art is not constrained by one physical space. Rather it is a roving gallery, it is VOLITION in Motion. It has the capacity to become infinitely flexible and adaptable. It can transform into a space where artists can share their creative explorations with the community. Sometimes it takes form in a private gallery space, other times in an unconventional pop-up. It may also live in the virtual space in any variety of modes.

VOLITION was originally established in June 2015 by Phyllis Dodge, a long time art patron and enthusiast. Phyllis’ dream was to nurture a gallery where art and community could unite to create a truly unique and special shared experience. In addition to many solo and group exhibitions, VOLITION also welcomes the opportunity to highlight music and dance performances, pop-ups, lessons and lectures. Each event brings people and artists together through art, expression, and shared intention.

At its core, VOLITION is both an act of will — a conscious choosing to create and connect — and a surrender to something greater, where creativity unfolds beyond our control. In this way, VOLITION honors both intention and trust, allowing art — and life — to evolve as they are meant to.

Meet the Founder

Photography by Yanina Goldstein

Phyllis Dodge

VOLITION Art was founded by art director and creative advocate Phyllis Dodge in June 2015.

Phyllis launched VOLITION while revitalizing the historic Bell-Ans Center of Creative Arts in Orangeburg, New York—a creative campus that has been in her husband James Dodge’s family since 1897. Working alongside her husband, an artist, she helped transform the property into a vibrant hub for artists, studios, exhibitions, and community gatherings.

A profound catalyst for VOLITION’s evolution has been her son, Andrew—an artist living with profound autism whose uninhibited and deeply expressive work continues to shape the spirit of the platform. Through supporting Andrew’s artistic journey and helping bring his work into the world—including the development of his online presence—Phyllis expanded her vision of what it means to create access, visibility, and connection through art.

Andrew’s work can be viewed at andrewjdodge.com

Through VOLITION, Phyllis created a space where art, music, poetry, and creative expression could come together. Over the years, Bell-Ans hosted exhibitions, pop-up galleries, open studios, performances, and cultural events that supported local artists and creative entrepreneurs while breathing new life into the historic property.

As founder and art director of VOLITION, Phyllis’s work centers on creating opportunities for artists to share their work in environments that foster dialogue, collaboration, and meaningful human connection.

When not organizing exhibitions or working with artists, Phyllis visits museums, galleries, art fairs, and cultural spaces in New York and beyond, continually seeking inspiration and new perspectives.

In 2026, VOLITION Art relaunches as “A Gallery Without Walls,” marking a new chapter of nomadic exhibitions, pop-up installations, and collaborative artistic experiences.

This new chapter begins with “Continuance,” a 10-year reflection on the original Expressions of Women Rising exhibition—celebrating artistic evolution, creative resilience, and the ongoing journey of women in art and spoken word.

Phyllis Dodge
Selected Exhibitions & Events

Creative Director
Directed and produced:

  • Bell-Ans Open Studios (2015–2019)

  • South Orangetown Day (2015–2017)

  • Mass Meditation & Sound Bath — June 2017

  • Solstice Celebrations & Festivals (2015–2019)

Founder & Gallery Director — VOLITION
Directed, managed, and produced:

  • Expressions of Women Rising — Grand Opening Exhibition (March 2016)

  • Super Freak: The Art of Disco & Dance — Group Exhibition (August 2016)

  • Local Love — Group Exhibition (June 2017)

  • Guilty Pleasures 120 — Bell-Ans 120th Anniversary Exhibition & Celebration (August 2017)

  • Surrender to Small — Juried Exhibition (December 2017)

  • UpRising: The Art of Subculture — Group Exhibition (August 2018)

  • Ian Healy: Silenced — Solo Exhibition (April 2019)

  • Unmasked: The Men Among Us — Group Exhibition (June 2019)

  • Fear — Costume Party & Art Exhibition (October 2019)

Curator — Solo Exhibitions

  • Jamey Jackson — Surfacing (April 2017)

  • Marisol Diaz — Engineering the Self (September 2018)

  • Lauren Rudolph — STAR (June 2019)