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It’s been close to thirty years since The Artist’s Gallery first opened the doors in Olympia. And today, the co-op gallery is bigger and better than it’s ever been. About four years ago they made the move from downtown into their current location in the Capital Mall Promenade. Now, they want to make sure people know they are there. “We’ve enjoyed it. It’s just fantastic. We’re able to have more artist’s work, the walls are beautiful, we aren’t cramped for space. We really like the gallery here. We’re hoping to see a lot more traffic coming in, people, customers. If nothing else just look, be aware it’s here. Spread the word, let them know it’s here,” artist Ruth Bravetti tells me.

creative office logoI remember the former The Artist’s Gallery downtown as a cramped space with not a lot of natural light. Walking into their current location is a totally different story. Ruth and fellow artist Kathleen Guest greet me as I enter the modern space. The first thing I notice is the abundance of room and light to showcase the artwork. It’s not crowded, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to look at. Ruth tells me, “You could look in here everyday, like when I come in for my shift, and I can always see something different and unusual, or get an idea. It’s just terrific to have so much art variety to learn from.”

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The Artist’s Gallery members Kathleen Guest and Ruth Bravetti explain painting techniques. Photo courtesy: The Artist’s Gallery.

From paintings and photographs, to three-dimensional pieces and jewelry, The Artist’s Gallery does not disappoint. Kathleen says they have something special here. “I think our niche is the size and number of people and quality of artists. It’s something to be proud of to be represented here because you’re sharing all this creativity with the community. And I think creativity needs to be shared. That’s what I love about it. The artists live here in the area. So if you even visit this gallery you are supporting local creativity.”

Because the gallery is a co-op, all of the featured artists are owners in a sense and have to become members before their work is displayed. They then elect officers to help run the day to day operations and pay dues each quarter. In return, they can price their own pieces and the gallery only takes a 20-percent commission. With a co-op, The Artist’s Gallery also isn’t limited as to what styles of artwork can be displayed. They can have twelve different people doing paintings if they are the right fit.

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The Artist’s Gallery has a variety of pieces for sale in every price range. Photo courtesy: The Artist’s Gallery.

In fact, both Kathleen and Ruth have paintings displayed in the gallery. “If you enjoy art and realize you’re not going to become a millionaire, or make a living at art, I look at it as a place I can bring my art and people can see it. If it sells, wonderful, that’s a perk, if it doesn’t, that’s ok with me,” Ruth says with a smile. Every two months all the displays are reorganized to keep the space fresh and the windows rotate every four weeks.

Each artist also puts in two, 4.5 hour shifts per month as part of their membership. “It’s wonderful when you’re here as an artist. I just love it. You’re surrounded with art for your shift. I mean you can walk around and look at familiar pieces or new pieces. I remember they asked me in my interview what my expectations were. I said it would be wonderful to see my art on the walls in here – just to see it up in a public place,” Kathleen shares. Ruth says they look for not only talented artists, but people with a retail background who are comfortable with computers as well as selling and interacting with others.

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Artists Ruth and Kathleen say the best part is showcasing their work to the public, not so much selling it. Photo courtesy: The Artist’s Gallery.

Kathleen says she went through the interview process not long ago herself. “I was just shocked and thrilled when Ruth called me and said I was part of the gallery,” Kathleen exclaims to me. She says the interview included a series of questions she was able to prepare for ahead of time. “It causes you to think about your art and it causes the interviewee to think about their art and why they are here. I really believe in this kind of gallery so I was thrilled,” she adds. Both Kathleen and Ruth are retired teachers and also outstanding painters.

As I walk around The Artist’s Gallery, I’m reminded of a museum with different themes in different sections. I gain quite an education from the variety of pieces I’m exposed to. Kathleen says the space encourages people to learn and she shares the story of a young boy scout who came into the gallery on her shift. She says he loved art and wanted to earn a specific badge. “There was not a piece in this gallery that he did not look at and wonder about. It just made my month. I asked the leaders why they brought him here. They said we knew how big this place was so it would be a great place to bring him.”

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With a larger space and great lighting, The Artist’s Gallery is able to display many different pieces. Photo courtesy: The Artist’s Gallery.

With artists always on staff and a wonderful space, it’s a unique experience to visit The Artist’s Gallery and definitely worth your time. And it’s not something you can find everywhere as Ruth explains, “I guess the reality is that there is wonderful art out there and it’s not the same thing you find at big box stores. It’s something to cherish. If you have a piece of art that’s an original there’s only one like it in the world, that’s it. If you buy something you’re going to end up with things everybody else is going to have.”

Visit The Artist’s Gallery website or Facebook page to keep track of upcoming events and for more information.

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