Making a quick exit for safety reasons, the West Liberty Area Arts Council’s Brick Street Gallery had to move from their small location next to Fred’s Feed in downtown to a new temporary location down the street in a former floral shop.
With the rear brick wall of their location bowing and needing major repairs, the Brick Street Gallery at 104 West Third Street was asked to move Friday, Nov. 22, and quickly found a new home down the street at 116 East Third Street in a former floral shop building owned by Jens Zalzala, a West Liberty resident.
Deb Weiss, director of the Brick Street Gallery, asked for volunteers and she said the community quickly pitched in to help with the move on Saturday, hoping to be open for the community’s Holiday Open House on Sunday.
“It’s amazing what we did in one day,” said Weiss, noting volunteers of all ages turned out to help the gallery move hundreds of pieces in just a few hours, to be rehung and displayed in the new shop where about 10 volunteers work Tuesday through Friday from 3:30-5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
She credited former gallery landlords Jason and Lisa Wertzbaugher of rural West Liberty, who were providing the space rent-free, for finding the new home so quickly, pointing out they were concerned about safety in the building, which is the oldest brick building in downtown West Liberty. The couple has owned the building for 11 years.
Lisa Wertzbaugher said repairs to the wall will take place immediately as the property owner utilizes a $25,000 building improvement grant from the city to help with repairs. Wertzbaugher said that amount won’t cover all the repairs necessary in the old building, located behind the West Liberty Index office and said the work shouldn’t take more than a couple of weeks.
She was pleased Zalzala agreed to the move, giving more space for displays and a prime middle-of-the-block location ideal for the community holiday open house.
“We want what’s best for the gallery,” Wertzbaugher said, noting she knows how difficult it can be for a small town art gallery to make ends meet, pointing out it’s made great strides in the past four years.
Weiss said despite having had free rent since it opening in June 2021, the non-profit business has utilities, phone bills, cleaning supplies and other expenses, and relies solely on the sales of items in the gallery to pay those expenses. Local artists, most from the community, create all the artwork.
Weiss admits there are no plans for the future of the gallery, but says they’re keeping their eyes and ears open to suggestions, and are happy now with their new home, even if it may be temporary.
“It’s been fun to have a little place like this,” she said.
Trustees for Brick Street Gallery include Clare Palmer, Cara McFerren and Weiss while other committee members include Breonna Drake, Debra Lowman, Monica Leo and Stephanie Vallez.
Volunteers include Garth Conley, Diane Brooks, Dorianne Rees, Janet Rees and Palmer as well as Christopher Eck, Megan Lindeman, Virginia Miehe, Weiss and McFerren.
Classes upcoming
The Brick Street Gallery has put together five upcoming classes, including three to be hosted at the gallery, for residents including:
Children’s drawing for ages nine and older taught by Janet Rees (former WLHS art teacher) on Thursday, Jan. 2, from 10 a.m.-noon. at the gallery.
Woven top gift box making taught by Janet Rees on Thursday, Dec. 12, beginning at 6 p.m. at the gallery.
Creating Alcohol ornaments for ages 16 and older taught by Deb Lowman on Saturday, Dec. 14 beginning at 3 p.m. at Owl Glass Studio in Eulenspiegel Puppet center downtown.
Christmas ornaments taught by Monica Leo at Glass Owl Studio in Eulenspiegel Puppet center downtown.
Christmas sugar cookie decorating taught by Diane Brooks for children 12 and older as well as adults at the gallery.
All classes require registration and do include a fee to be paid in advance. Call the Brick Street Gallery at 319-627-4429 to reserve a spot.