Station Arts Centre revitalizes its gallery

Mayor Deb Gilvesy, left, and Gale Connor, a member of the Station Arts Centre board of directors, cut the ribbon on the newly remodeled gallery. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The new year brought a new, more open, revitalized gallery for the Station Arts Centre.

A ribbon cutting on Jan. 16 unveiled the revamped gallery after it had been closed since the holidays. The work was made possible by an $8,000 donation from 100 Women Who Care Oxford.

Previously, displays in the Baggage Room and Bridge Street Gallery were displayed with shelving and cabinetry that didn’t match. The grant enabled the purchase of new shelving and saw the removal of all the older cabinetry and shelving. Volunteers and staff assembled the shelving and stained it.

“It’s opened up the space and has increased visibility for the artists,” said Sarah Senior, chair of the board of directors. “It means there’s more opportunity for artists who are displaying their work, and there is more opportunity for it to be purchased. It gives us a bigger space.”

“It makes it easier to focus on the art,” said Briana French, one of the potters who has items for sale in the gallery.

There are currently 40 artists who have items on display. This ranges from woodworking, jewelry, and pottery to prints and paintings in various media.

“The other thing we are hoping with this revitalization is people will realize there is an opportunity for people to purchase local gifts,” said Cailey Coderre, social media lead for the Station Arts Centre. “It’s an opportunity for people to pick up unique, hand-made gifts from Tillsonburg.”

The revitalization also provided an opportunity for the Bridge Street Gallery to be rehung with new work.

“There’s a whole host of new work in there,” Coderre said.

Although it’s not complete yet, Coderre is working on a revamp of the station’s online store. It allows people to shop from home, but they still have to pick up the items from the station.