BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Debbie McMickle of Best Friends Gallery on Hand Avenue in Bay Minette recalls how she met her business partner, Judy Pimperl.

“I was taking watercolor classes from her,” said McMickle, who already knew how to paint with acrylics and oil, as well as use pastels. She also makes jewelry and is a photographer.

The pair became friends and decided to open the gallery in May of 2010.

Another art gallery in Baldwin County?

“It fills a need,” said Pimperl, noting that most of the galleries in the county are on the Eastern Shore or on the coast. The gallery offers lessons in watercolor, collage, and acrylics and, “lots of kids crafts,” says Pimperl.

The gallery shows the work of local artists, provides custom-framing services and they run a program for youngsters in the summer.

“People come in,” said McMickle, “because they need to feel better. It helps to be surrounded by beautiful artwork and color.”

One of the gallery’s bestsellers is Jerry Bradley’s “Red Dog” pottery. The Bay Minette artist’s work is growing in popularity.

For Pimperl, creating art is “soothing to the soul. I feel like if I’m upset, it just calms me down.

“Art is important to me. It’s a part of who I am. I could not live without art. It’s something people can do to entertain themselves, and it's an inexpensive form of entertainment.”

The gallery announces its classes and events through the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Pimperl got into art through her mother.

“To keep us out of trouble, she’d have us draw,” said Pimperl. Girls’ faces were favorite subjects, and when she was older she began to take art lessons in a community just outside of Birmingham.

She also enjoys interior decorating.

“My husband, John, says I am dangerous. He says that he is afraid to walk around the house at night, because he might trip on something,” laughed Pimperl. She came to the area in 1983 when her employer asked her to manage an art gallery.

McMickle, a former real estate broker, moved to the area from Georgia, following other members of her family.

Art, McMickle says, “is soothing to the soul. When I am upset, it calms me down.”

The art classes allow both women to see up-and-coming talent.

“We can see the potential,” said Pimperl.

“It's all about encouragement,” added McMickle. “There is no right or wrong way to do art.”

Best Friends represents more than 30 artists, McMickle says.

What is selected, “has to fit in with the vibe of the gallery,” says Pimperl. “It’s a little funky, fun and colorful.”

The gallery owners have one hard-and-fast rule for art submitted to them.

“It has to be properly framed. It needs to be ready to hang,” said McMickle.