Goosefoot organizers recently announced that Cash Store tenant Open Door Gallery + Coffee will transform the retail space formerly occupied by the Fishmonger into an open community gallery and event space.

Artists will be able to rent this space beginning Feb. 1 to install their own exhibitions. Exhibits can be displayed for one weekend or up to one month with all proceeds from sales to go to the artist.

The space is also available to rent for lectures, classes, films and special events.

“Whidbey artists and others lost an important exhibition and event venue when the Front Room space on the second floor of the Cash Store closed,” said Open Door owner Louise Long.

“We’re especially excited to increase the visibility for local and regional artists at the Cash Store and to carry on the tradition of having a professional gallery space available for artists to hang their own shows,” she said.

Goosefoot, the nonprofit owner of the Cash Store, couldn’t be happier with Open Door’s plans, according to Debbie Torget, Goosefoot’s chief operations officer.

“Artists play an integral role in the cultural and social life of the Cash Store,” she said. “We’re looking forward to Open Door’s newest venture here as they continually seek out creative ways to promote local artists.”

Open Door’s other locations in the Cash Store will continue in their traditional gallery capacities.

An expanded offering of artists’ workshops by Open Door will feature artists represented by the gallery and guest instructors from the Pacific Northwest.

January’s schedule includes classes by Danielle Bodine on basketry-paper vessels; Susanne Newbold on creating gourd vessels; Sandra Whiting on reverse painting on plexiglass; and Bridget Fischer on beginning bookbinding.

Future workshops include encaustics, acrylic painting, beginning drawing, altered books, photography and printmaking.

For info, contact Sandra Whiting at opendoorwhidbey@gmail.com or 321-3020.