Jul. 2—MOSES LAKE — In an enchanting addition to the vibrant cultural fabric of Moses Lake, the Up Town Art Gallery celebrated its grand opening June 26, inviting art enthusiasts and the local community to immerse themselves in a haven of creativity.
“It’s great,” said gallery co-owner Leanne Hickman. “We are most excited about selling, selling, selling, and meeting people,” she added, highlighting the gallery’s open-door philosophy and its aspiration to foster community engagement through the arts.
Nestled at 301 W Broadway Ave, Ste A, the artist-owned gallery is set to showcase the talents of both world-class creators and emerging local artists. The festivities kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by community leaders, artists and art lovers, eager to witness the birth of a new creative space.
“It’s great,” said gallery co-owner Leanne Hickman. “We are most excited about selling, selling, selling, and meeting people,” she added, highlighting the gallery’s open-door philosophy and its aspiration to foster community engagement through the arts.
Hickman, a talented artist herself, is renowned for her unique feather paintings, a distinct medium that reflects her passion for nature and creativity. In her own whimsical way, she shared the story behind her foray into feather painting.
“I had a peacock show up at my house, and one day, after I threw a glass of water at her, a wing feather landed on my foot. I said, ‘OK, well, maybe somebody upstairs wants me to paint on feathers,'” she said.
Speaking alongside Hickman, artist Judy Kalin complemented the gallery’s mission.
“We’re in the process of having meetings to feature artists every other month,” Kalin said. This rotating artist showcase promises to keep the gallery dynamic, ensuring fresh perspectives and enrichment for visitors each time they enter, Hickman said.
The Up Town Art Gallery is not just a display of completed works but a nurturing ground for local talent. The gallery features a diverse array of artworks, including paintings (acrylic, watercolor and oil), sculptures, jewelry, cards and other mediums and artforms, all made from local artisans.
Kalin has been creating art for over 50 years.
“I do a lot of different things — mainly watercolor and Sumi, which is black ink on rice paper,” she said.
This variety contributes to the gallery’s mission of encouraging local artists to share their creations.
During the interview, both Hickman and Kalin emphasized their eagerness to engage with the community.
“We want everyone to come and see,” Hickman said, underscoring the inclusive atmosphere they are striving to cultivate.
The gallery’s operating hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., provide plenty of opportunities for visitors to drop in.
In addition to showcasing art, the gallery plans to offer classes for the community.
“We’ll be doing classes on how to do feather painting,” Hickman said.
There will be other classes on pouring, a whistle-making class, a Sumi class and some other options coming to the art gallery.
With hands-on workshops in the pipeline, the Up Town Art Gallery seeks to erase the barriers between artist and admirer, inviting everyone to participate in the creative process, Kalin said.
There will also be opportunities to have work with the two women on paid commissions. They said to reach out to the gallery and they may be able to fulfill your request, Kalin said.
Each corner of the gallery is a testament to creativity. In one section, Hickman’s feather paintings grace the walls, while Kalin’s vibrant Sumi artworks tell their own stories. Hickman said each piece, imbued with personal narratives, beckons visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the intricate craft involved.
“We have a good variety of art in here,” said Hickman.
Kalin was admiring one of Hickman’s vividly painted peacock feathers with parrots on them.
“These parrots—the colors tell a story all in themselves,” Kalin said.
As they begin this artistic journey, both Hickman and Kalin are hopeful for greater engagement with local artists and supporters.
“We are here. Please come and take a look around,” Hickman said. “You never know, we might have the piece you have been looking for.”
Up Town Art Gallery
301 W. Broadway Ave., Suite A
Moses Lake
Wednesday — Saturday
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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