Gallery and studio moves to new space

The Way We Art, a local gallery and working art studio, has moved from its Hood Avenue location to a new space in the Sisters Art Works building at 204 W. Adams Ave.

According to the gallery owners, the new location will allow them to better fulfill their goal to offer creative classes.

"The business is unique in that it operates both as a place to sell art but also to have a working studio for us to work in and to teach in," said Alma Cox.

Cox, Katie Estvold, Cindy Summerfield and Tricia Biesmann are joined in the venture that began last year in a corner office space on the west side of Sisters. When Kathy Deggendorfer called and offered the opportunity to come and join in with the Sisters Art Works building, the partners jumped at the opportunity.

"We had a good first year in our original location, but it was too small, and we couldn't offer classes," said Cox. "I think that in the Art Works building, we will be thriving off the energies of the other artists who use the building."

Estvold, a recent addition to the group, specializes in art related to 18th and 19th century women. Most of her business over the past few years has been through fairs and shows as well as her Web site (www.sparrowscottage.net), and she looks forward to sharing her art with the local community.

The Way We Art will celebrate its opening on Friday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in conjunction with the My Own Two Hands Art Stroll and will be open throughout the weekend, as well.

Cox is excited for the group to expand on what it has started.

"The four of us went to a trade show together in Anaheim (California) earlier this year, which gave us the chance to develop our relationship further," she said. "We are especially excited to begin teaching classes."

Sisters Art Works bills itself as "a collaborative workspace for artists and other creative-based businesses," which fits the goals of The Way We Art partners perfectly, according to Cox.

"We have a schedule already in place for classes, including felting, mixed media and altered journals, starting April 19," said Cox. "We are very excited to provide classes for the community in a fun and supportive atmosphere. We are hoping people see this as an opportunity to spend the day with each other, to have fun and maybe try something they never have before.

"People can check our Web site at http://www.thewayweart.blogspot.com for more information or stop by the Art Works building for a brochure," said Cox.