PIcture this

Andy Byrnes of the construction zone builds b-art gallery as a natural extension of his world, bridging architecture, art and community.

by Laura Eckstein jones

When Andy Byrnes opened b-art gallery (b-artphx.com) last year, he wasn’t pivoting away from his career in architecture and construction. He was simply expanding his world. 

“b-art opened in May 2025 in response to a noticeable gap in the local art market,” says Byrnes, founder of the gallery and owner of The Construction Zone. “While it may not be the easiest moment to open a gallery, I saw a clear need for an accessible entry point into collecting artwork that feels elevated and intentional without being intimidating or out of reach.”

For Byrnes, the gallery is less a business experiment than an extension of how he already thinks about space. “As a longtime collector and artist myself, the gallery is very much a passion project rooted in creating that balance,” he says.

That balance—between approachability and refinement, art and architecture—is what defines b-art gallery. Known for his design-build firm, The Construction Zone, Byrnes sees the gallery as a natural evolution of his work. “b-art was never intended as a departure from The Construction Zone, but rather a natural extension,” he says. “As our firm expanded from architecture into construction, concrete, steel, cabinetry and interiors, art became another essential layer to our brand.” 

Walking into the gallery for the first time, visitors encounter a space that feels welcoming. “b-art is a curated, high-end gallery with a distinctly approachable energy,” Byrnes says. “The space is designed to be organic and ever-evolving, showcasing a diverse mix of emerging local artists alongside established names.”

That mix is intentional. The gallery represents a broad range of artists, including many formerly affiliated with Art One Gallery, as well as more established voices. “Curation is driven by diversity of style and perspective, with the goal of creating cohesion across contrasts rather than limiting the work to a single aesthetic,” Byrnes explains. He describes the connective tissue as “a balance between boldness and restraint, playfulness and intention.”

Artists such as John Babbitt, Malachi Kellner, Pete Deise and Mary Delmege exemplify the gallery’s current point of view. “Their work is bold, playful and thought-provoking,” Byrnes says, “aligning naturally with the architectural and industrial sensibility that defines the space.”

Beyond exhibitions, b-art functions as a resource for collectors. Its consultation services are shaped by Byrnes’ background in building spaces from the ground up. “Our consultation process begins with exposure to a broad range of work,” he says. “From there, we help shape cohesive collections through commissions, spatial planning and custom-built displays, pedestals and framing.”

That mindset informs everything. “My background in architecture gives me a deep understanding of proportion, scale and composition,” Byrnes says. “I approach artwork the same way I approach a space, considering how it lives, breathes and interacts with its surroundings.”

Within Phoenix’s growing creative scene, Byrnes sees b-art as a connector, uniquely bridging Arizona’s art and design communities. “I don’t think there is anything like it going on in the Phoenix art scene at the moment,” he shares.

Looking ahead, the gallery’s trajectory reflects that same sense of momentum. Byrnes points to an exhibition by Arizona-based artist Loren Yagoda, which opened Feb. 6, as a marker of where b-art is headed. “Her work represents the caliber and direction of artists we aim to champion as the gallery continues to grow,” he says.