It had been more than a year since the Sawnee Artists Association had a display space to use and five years since it had a gallery.In just the past couple weeks, however, the organization’s luck has changed.The association recently set up shop in a room inside the new Market 334 on Hwy. 9, just north of the Cumming Square.“I feel like I live here,” joked Rick Rennick, a member of the group’s gallery committee, on a recent afternoon as he finished up some labels.Rennick doesn’t have any work on the walls since he’s spent most of his time lately renovating the back room of Market 334, a building previously owned by a stonemason.Rennick discovered the space for the local nonprofit art group after taking a peek inside the new business.He mentioned that the association was looking for space, and the owner offered the group a room. Association members moved in quickly, jumping on the opportunity they’ve awaited.Everything in the gallery, which opened Tuesday, is available for sale.“It’s everything from funky to fine paintings,” Rennick said. “It’s just so varied — photography, pottery, pastel, oil paintings, acrylics.”The works of art are also available for visitors to come in and enjoy, since a big part of the association’s mission is to spread art appreciation in the community.The space isn’t large enough for the group’s meetings, Rennick said, but it does give the artists a chance to display their work.Market 334 manager Kim Maley said the group is a great addition to the shop“They’ve just been wonderful,” she said.
Home is where the art is
Association moves into new gallery space