Holiday shopping in downtown Chippewa Falls just got a little more cultured. A co-op art gallery, compliments of the Valley Art Association, recently moved into an empty store front at 300 N. Bridge St. Chippewa Falls, giving members of the VAA another space to exhibit. Operating without a phone or even a long-term lease, the gallery is only open for a limited time, however. At least, for now.

The Gallery, which opened its doors Oct. 16, features the work of 22 different artists, showcasing different styles and medium, including pottery, jewelry, gourd work, basketry, painting, and photography VAA member Jane Whiting said. The only requirements to show art in the gallery? Artists must be VAA members and they must volunteer some time in the gallery.

“(The artists) have really loved it and the gallery’s been really well received,” Whiting said.

Ray Peterson, VAA secretary, couldn’t agree more.

“It’s been beyond our expectations,” he said. “The response from the artists has been tremendous.”

The artists don’t seem to be the only ones enjoying the gallery. Both Whiting and Peterson said the gallery has been steadily trafficked since opening, despite a tough economy and that community members are responding positively to the gallery.

“People walk in and say ‘Gee, this is something we really enjoy having in the community,’ ” Peterson said. “People enjoy quality art … they like the idea of purchasing something form a local artist that looks good … they like home-town art.”

Founded in 2006, the 40 plus member VAA acts like a conduit of information for local artists, Whiting said. The group meets monthly, bringing in speakers, running workshops and distributing newsletters to members.

    Since its inception, one goal of the VAA has always been to exhibit sporadically in empty storefronts. But with organizing other events, the idea was placed on the backburner for a couple of years, Whiting said. This year, however, the opportunity to exhibit in an old jewelry store presented itself and one VAA member happened to be talking to a realtor. Because the VAA had already purchased hanging walls to display artwork, the VAA found itself in the right time with a new space.

“It made it very easy for us to move in,” Whiting said.

The space, however, is temporary, Peterson said. Initially the lease granted the VAA to stay in the storefront until Nov. 22. But the group was able to push back that date through the holidays, or until the owners sell the space, Peterson added.

But just because its first gallery’s lease will come to an end, does not mean that the VAA will not start another. Peterson said the VAA is interested in opening another gallery in another storefront after it vacates its current location. No decisions as to where the new gallery will be have been made yet, however.

Whiting said while the group is not prepared to pay a “real rent” or even equipped for a permanent space, it wouldn’t be difficult to open another temporary gallery in a different space.

“The artists are willing to invest the time,” she said.

    Check out the gallery while you can: hours are 10 am to 7 pm Thursdays; 10 am to 5 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Interested in more art from the VAA? The VAA is exhibiting art as a group for the first time at the Hyde Center for the Arts.