You can’t keep a good co-op down.
That’s why the folks at the Whidbey Art Gallery are having a big party this coming weekend to welcome everyone to help them celebrate the gallery’s grand reopening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 28-30, at a new location on Second Street in Langley.
The 23 artists who are currently showing a variety of work at the gallery include both newly joined and veteran members. The gallery, once called the Artists Co-operative Gallery, closed its old space at 117 Anthes Ave. in late December 2008, so this party represents a big comeback for the group.
One of the co-op’s veteran artists, painter Moe Jerome, was instrumental in helping to secure the new space, which was previously occupied by the Langley Clinic. The clinic closed in late November 2010.
“We decided to reopen and test the waters when we were offered a month-to-month lease,” Jerome said.
“This is a ‘temporary’ location at this time. However, if it is necessary that we move, we intend to continue having a presence in Langley, but would be at another location. We hope to have an art center, where artists and those who love art can learn, teach and exhibit their work. We are very happy to be back,” he added.
The gallery offers a broad range, including oil paintings, pastels, encaustics, photography, metal art, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, fiber and glass.
Artists will be on hand through the Memorial Day weekend to answer questions.
Denis Hill, a new member who’s a photographer and encaustic artist, jumped at the chance to join the co-operative when he heard the gallery was reopening. Hill has been showing his work at Penn Cove Gallery for almost a decade and is friends with several co-op members.
“Although the group is a bit smaller now, I must say that I’m impressed with the quality of art in the gallery. There are top-notch artists in a range of media,” Hill said.
“The group has been welcoming, and I am impressed with the efforts I’ve seen to get the gallery open,” he said.
The Whidbey Art Gallery chooses its members by jury and features the work of one member each month. The artists play a part in the operation and decision-making processes of the gallery, which are handled by committee.
Hours of operation are covered by members, as well, typically with two to three shifts per month, which give
the artists frequent opportunities to meet the public. Members meet once per month and pay dues based on the expenses of the gallery. Each month there is a jurying process seeking new members.
“It would be hard to miss the depth of experience with its gallery operations,” Hill said, referring to the smooth sailing of the gallery’s reopening.
“Personally, I’m excited to have such a great place to show my photography in Langley. My initial sales have exceeded expectations, and I look forward to a long relationship with the group,” he said.
Whidbey Art Gallery is at 114 Second St. in downtown Langley. Call 221-7675 or visit www.whidbeyartists.com.
