NEW ART DISPLAY AT FLORENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 290 Highway 101, features a different local artist each month. Their July display of local artistry features a variety of pieces from Backstreet Gallery.
“Backstreet Gallery’s display fills the walls and counters of the Chamber’s Visitors Center with original paintings, photography, fiber art, pastels, ceramics, glass art, gourd enhancement, woodwork, and even books,” says Chamber executive director Bettina Hannigan.
“The artists from Backstreet love to express their love of Florence and the Oregon Coast in their art work,” says Karen Nichols, Backstreet Gallery’s publicist. “To express this love, showing at the Chamber gives them a chance to promote tourism and economic growth in their community and brag a little about the beauty we have here in Florence through their art.”
Backstreet Gallery features the work of local artists Stephanie Ames, Karen Nichols, Kristin Anderson, Pattie Brooks-Anderson, Judy Fleagle, Daphne John, Colleen McKnight, Kathryn Damon-Dawson, Jim Prentice, Jane Rincon, Jayne Smoley, Kathy Shamey, Susan Thomas, Charles Draper, and Kathy Elfers.
“We are delighted to feature the work of the artists from Backstreet Gallery this month,” adds Hannigan. “Backstreet Gallery has been an integral part of growing the arts in Florence for more than 12 years and we welcome their partnership in raising Florence’s profile with potential visitors and attracting visitors to Florence to appreciate and participate in this burgeoning area of tourism.”
“The background of each artist is varied from teaching, graphic design, public relations, floral design, corporate administration, to theater and more,” Nichols explains. “They are well traveled and have lived in various places around the United States and the world. They bring with them the diversity that makes Backstreet Gallery one of the best galleries on the Oregon Coast.
Nichols adds, “Their work has been shown in various venues around Florence and Oregon, the Florence Events Center, Old Town Coffee and Gallery, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance gallery, The Studios at Jayne Smoley Design, the Siuslaw Library, Peace Harbor Hospital, Newport Art Center, Earthworks and Wave Gallery in Yachats, and A Great Gallery in Gerhart. Several of our artists are members of the Watercolor Society of Oregon.”
“Part of our plan in remodeling the Chamber’s Visitor Center this spring was to be able to offer local artists a place to exhibit their work, especially works that bring attention to the beauty of Oregon’s Coastal Playground,” explains Hannigan.
To enjoy their complete array of art visit Backstreet Gallery, 1421 Bay Street, in Florence. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or visit their website at backstreetgallery.org.
The Chamber’s Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Each month the Chamber features new two- and three-dimensional exhibits by local artists and galleries. For more information about the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, and how to join or volunteer, visit FlorenceChamber.com or call 541-997-3128.
