Gallery One Visual Arts Center

Gallery One Visual Arts Center is a nonprofit organization in Central Washington. The gallery is located in the heart of downtown Ellensburg and is in walking distance from Central Washington University. Gallery One's mission is to showcase local contemporary art and to provide the local community with a variety of art classes and after school programs.

Gallery One frequently participates in local, Ellensburg events such as the First Friday Artwalk and Jazz In The Valley. Gallery One Visual Arts Center is sponsored by National Endowment For The Arts and Washington State Arts Commission.

History

In the fall of 1967, a women's group, Study Club sponsored an art exhibit at the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University. The idea to create an art gallery in Ellensburg developed from sponsoring the exhibit. Opening day for the gallery was August 29, 1968, at 306 N. Pine where Eveleth Green and Edith Connolly shared the space with architect Wayne White. It was named the Ellensburg Community Art Gallery.

In December 1968, the gallery had their first successful Christmas show. From there they moved to a basement at 111 S. Pearl. In February, 1972, they moved to the upstairs location at 408 1/2 N. Pearl.

Eveleth Green was the gallery director for many years with Edith as her right-hand helper. In 1994, they changed the name of the gallery to Gallery One Visual Art Center. Under Eveleth’s guidance, they were able to purchase the entire building in 1997.

In 2001, under Director Mary Frances, the building went through a major remodel that incorporated the whole building. The downstairs included two businesses on the first floor. A grand reopening was celebrated in 2003. Gallery One now uses the entire space that includes a gift gallery, an exhibition gallery on the main floor as well as a mezzanine, the Eveleth Green Gallery, classrooms, and artist studios on the top floor. In 2006 the Eveleth Green Gallery and the courtyard were remodeled.

Exhibitions

With over 5000 square feet of exhibition space on three levels, Gallery One's exhibition program features monthly rotating shows that focus on contemporary and regional artists.

Education

Gallery One offers an extensive selection of classes for all ages through their Community School of the Arts program. From Art After School to Art Exploration for teens with special needs, these classes run quarterly and focus on a well-rounded art education for students of all skill levels.

Gallery One teaches art techniques, freedom of expression, problem solving, and the elements and principals of art and design. Each child’s abilities are carefully taken in to consideration.

Gallery One's ceramic classroom offers youth and adult classes, ceramic parties, and options for kiln and workspace rentals. Our facilities include electric wheels and kilns, extruder, slab roller, spray booth and various hand tools.

Free lectures are held at Gallery One throughout the year. Workshops and lectures are often offered by the current exhibiting artist.