The Union September 30, 2010 HERE "Artists in Action"
The Union April 8, 2010 HERE
Jeff Pelline, April 14, 2010 HERE

Press Release: May 29, 2010
Art Co-op Opening in Grass Valley

Thirty-five local artists have formed Art Works Gallery, a non-profit cooperative art gallery that will open in historic downtown Grass Valley on May 29th, 2010. “Five of us had been successfully selling our artwork at a co-op gallery in Nevada City, and we decided it was time to rent a retail space and open a gallery,” says the group’s president and jeweler Linda Kaneko. “Because Nevada County has such a strong artistic community, we were confident many artists would apply to join our co-op gallery and pleased that it will give us an opportunity to share the creative works of local artists with the greater community.”

Participating artists were selected through a jurying process designed to create a high-quality collection of artwork in jewelry, furniture, paintings, photography, ceramics, fiber arts, woodwork, mixed media and sculpture.  “We were thrilled to have so many quality artists apply,” says Rene Sprattling, a ceramic artist and member of the jurying committee. “I think the community will be very pleased at the variety and quality of the art work we have to offer.”

All of the artists have been working to renovate the gallery space, which is located at 113 Mill Street. “Because we are a co-op, all 35 of us are volunteers, ” says oil painter Jerry Murphy, who is assisting in coordinating the preparation for the opening. “We have scraped, sanded and painted the gallery space, and now we are bringing in the artworks and getting ready for opening day.”

In addition to volunteering as sales staff in the gallery and organizing special art events, the artists will be available to speak with the public in helping to bring art into people’s homes. Because Art Works Gallery is a non-profit group, any profits generated will be used to develop the gallery and host exhibitions and other special events for the community.

“It is exciting to be part of this project,” says furniture-maker and sculptor Don Augstein, who is directing the gallery’s renovation. “For the past three years I have been looking at how to create an artist co-op. Last year I discovered this great group of artists that wanted to do the same. Now we are opening Art Works Gallery in downtown Grass Valley. We are dividing the work and sharing in the fun and enthusiasm – as well as the expense – to create a successful art gallery for all the artists and the community.”