Art gallery opening Aug. 1

By Kira Erickson • July 28, 2020 1:30 am

A new art gallery has threaded its way into Langley, just in time for the celebration of its 15th anniversary.

Previously located at the Greenbank Farm, the artist-owned Artworks Gallery recently made the move to the Village by the Sea.

Artist Nancy Frances, who is one of the 15 co-owners of the gallery and its marketing person, said the relocation was serendipitous.

“We were sad to close our doors, but then this opportunity came up,” she said.

The city received distinction as a creative district this past spring, making it another big draw for the artists of Artworks.

“Every artist dreams of being in Langley,” Frances said. “It is such a creative hub.”

Variety in art is the gallery’s strength, according to its members. From beadwork to alpaca blankets to glass lamps to wildlife portraits, there’s a little bit of everything on display by the 15 artists and members of Artworks Gallery.

“It’s just the greatest group of people,” said Morgan Bell, artist and president of the gallery. “It’s like a family.”

Frances agreed.

“The diversity in art is outstanding, but the skill set that we bring as community members really takes us up a level,” she said.

Besides Frances and Bell, other current members include Susan Bradley, Sonja Bratz, Judith Burns, Christine Crowell, Timothy Haslet, Loren Iwerks, Marcy Johnson, Kathy Lull, Madrone Moulton, Ginny O’Neill, Jim Short, Shari Thompson and Gaylen Whiteman.

Artworks Gallery is seeking to add a few more members to its ranks. Turnover is unusual in the gallery, but some of the previous members moved off the island due to COVID-19.

There is currently more space in the gallery to display 3-D works such as jewelry, glassware, sculptures or other tangible items, but some space for wall art is also available.

To apply, contact Johnson, the screening committee chair, at 360-222-3010 or marcyjohnson@whidbey.net.

The gallery is officially set to open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 1. Under normal circumstances, members of the gallery said a bigger deal would be made on opening day, but for now the gallery will have limited capacity and limited hours.

After a few months of not being able to display their works, many of the artists said they are looking forward to the interaction with visitors to the gallery’s new location.

There is a range in prices available and a lot of the artists are open to creating custom pieces.

Artworks Gallery will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with the potential to extend hours. Appointments can also be made to visit by contacting the gallery through its website, artworkswhidbey.com.

Photo by Kira Erickson/Whidbey News Group Glass artist Morgan Bell has been making lamps and other fixtures out of shattered tempered glass that is fused together.