Donna Riley-Lein

Baldwin People Editor

FOLEY, Ala. – There is a new gallery in Foley. The Foley Artist’s Co-Op opened Aug. 5 with a reception.

Located around the corner from the Foley Performing Arts Association at 106 Alston Street, the gallery is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday and 11 a.m. – 2 p.m on Saturdays.

Inside, there is a profusion of art on the walls, ranging from traditionally-done paintings of still lifes to avant-garde jewelery. The gallery is connected to the Foley PAA, which is just around the corner on Laurel Avenue. That gallery is open the same hours.

“The concept came up in a few weeks,” explained David Atwood, one of the artists in the Co-Op.  He added that the PAA was looking to rent out the room, but the artists involved in the Co-Op pounced.

“This way we can encourage more people to come in,” Atwood said, adding that passersby might look into the window and see a Co-Op member working at an easel.

“We might have more come in if they see us working at the easel,” he said. “And it certainly will be nicer to paint in the air conditioning. It’s getting hot out.”

For Opal Young, the new space, “Supports artists.”

As visitors, including Patricia Chubb of Lillian

Beth Weldon of Fairhope says the new space will be “good for the town,” and will drive more business to town merchants.

“There’s lots to see,” she said.

The new gallery will bring art closer to the public, Nan Sterrie of Foley believes. Sterrie is also showing her work at the gallery.

“I feel like art is instrumental in every venue of life,” said Sterrie.