Rob Schouten Gallery in Greenbank won Best Art Gallery in Western Washington in King5’s 2014 contest, according to a recent press release.

More than 185 other nominees competed for the title. Owners Rob and Victory Schouten said they have the 30 Northwest artists they represent and their dedicated customers to thank for the title.

“It was a happy surprise to find we had been nominated in the first place,” Rob Schouten said. “Once we knew, we let our customers and community know. It was great! Everyone was so enthusiastic; more than willing to vote and spread the word.”

The Rob Schouten Gallery not only beat out the prestigious Seattle Art Museum and the popular favorite Chihuly Garden and Glass for the title, but edged out many of greater Seattle’s top galleries.

Voters left a steady stream of more than 100 glowing comments about the gallery on the contest website during the race, according to the release.

“Art that evokes a feeling of real life; an unpretentious gallery. Down-to-earth folks are Rob and Victory. The place is a spirit lifter,” said one commenter.

“Have traveled the world and never found such an eclectic, wonderfully presented, diverse and premier buying opportunity as Rob and Victory Schouten’s wonderful gallery on Whidbey Island,” said another.

Victory Schouten extended her gratitude to the other Greenbank Farm tenants that share the location with Rob Schouten Gallery.

“We are particularly happy to be a part of Greenbank Farm with its other fine galleries, shops and cafe,” Victory said. “We hope our win as ‘Best Gallery in Western Washington’ adds to the buzz making the farm, and Whidbey Island itself, even more of a destination place, as it so deserves to be.”

Established at Whidbey’s Greenbank Farm in 2008, Rob Schouten Gallery and Sculpture Garden showcases top-quality painting and sculpture, as well as fine art glass, jewelry, ceramics, encaustics, woodworking, printmaking and fibre arts created by some of the region’s finest artists.

“Victory and I really love our gallery,” Rob Schouten said. “We are proud to represent the world-class artists who show with us. We also very much appreciate our wonderful customers and community with whom we very much value our warm connection.”

The Rob Schouten Gallery is having a party on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. to celebrate their wonderful year and the holiday season. The Schoutens welcome everyone to come to enjoy refreshments and live jazz music with Keith Bowers and Kristi O’Donnell.

Visit www.robschoutengallery.com for more information.