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Stanton Stephens

Diana Adams doesn’t like attention. The unassuming owner of Vermillion, the art gallery and bar, would rather work behind the scenes, hustling to hold a space for art in a neighborhood that has increasingly less room for it. Until February 3, you can take in the glowing, techno biosphere of The Luminous Garden group show. But for the full Vermillion experience, you must continue down the hallway to the dimly-lit, semi-secret bar, where on any given evening you might stumble on a hiphop show, a feminist panel discussion, or a synth dance party. It’s a community gathering place that Adams has worked hard to build since she opened her 11th Avenue spot in 2007, which is why this self-described introvert is submitting to this glamour shot and questionnaire. “I will trade my comfort to help people be creative,” she says.