I really like how you are growing this site. I have 2 suggestions that fit my personal taste and I won't at all be upset if these don't or can't get implemented.
I will name them both in this post and you can decide if either one merits further attention, as they are similar.
Interacting with other users is part of what I enjoy at this site. To promote that, I have attached 2 screen shots to show where I think we could be allowed to more easily connect with each other. One is from the alerts, when someone upvotes or leaves a comment. The other suggestion is to increase interest in and traffic to the forum by linking from a user profile in the galleries area.
I look forward to your reaction to my suggestion screens.
-Dave