Appreciate creativity at Gallery 83

SEELEY LAKE – There is a new art gallery in town that looks to attract Montana artists to display a diversity of work. Located in the south end of the Lazy Pine Mall on Highway 83, Gallery 83 owner Chris Larabee looks forward to offering an affordable location for artists to share their artwork and where the community and visitors can appreciate the artists' creativity.

Brian Larabee, father of Chris who is looking after the operations of the store, said he has been doing stained glass for 30 years. As a retired law enforcement officer, he enjoys how calming creating his stained glass is and loves the satisfaction from making people happy with his artwork.

Meeting other artists and learning about their work has always intrigued Brian.

"It's fascinating by what people can think up," said Brian. "The artists are fun to be around because they have the same passion I do."

The idea of a gallery in Seeley Lake came out of a need Brian saw.

"Art is a culture and a lot of people have amazing skills," said Brian. "A lot of artists don't have a place to display their work or they do a craft show which is a one day thing."

Brian and his son partnered together and Chris came up with the name Gallery 83. They have visited many galleries and pulled the things that they felt worked the best for Gallery 83 and what would best serve the needs of Montana artists.

Gallery 83 is open to all Montana artists. They can lease a section of the wall from one to six feet to display their handmade work for $7 per linear foot per month. The gallery receives a 25% commission. Brian estimates there is room for 21-25 artists in the gallery.

"You will get a lot more people coming out with their art because they can afford that," said Brian. "I tell every artist it will be a museum if you price it too high."

Volunteers will staff Gallery 83. In turn volunteers who have art displayed will be given a discount on their commission. All volunteers will sign an agreement that they know how the other artists do their work.

"It's not just put something on the wall and hope someone buys it," said Brian likening the way it will be set up to a co-op. "If someone knows the art, it helps to sell if you get the person excited about what they are buying and the history to it."

Jeff Lacey was the first artist to have his art hung in Gallery 83 with Brian's stained glass. He makes custom, handmade wooden signs using a hand-held palm router with a variety of different bits.

Lacey said that for many people who enjoy art, it is a hobby. They are doing it on the weekends and it is supplemental income. At the craft fairs and farmers markets, there is a limited opportunity to share their art with a wide variety of people.

"To have a static spot where you can display your stuff, change it in and out as you see fit or what sells at the price point that Brian has set up, it is a really good deal," said Lacey. "It will fit my business model really nicely."

Brian said diversity is going to be key to Gallery 83.

"Hopefully we can get the best of the best of clay and photography [for example] and when you walk in here, every space is something different," said Brian. "Anyone who wants to is invited to come, hang out."

Gallery 83 will be open year round 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7 days a week starting May 1. Brian said he looks forward to hosting Wine and Cheese and Meet the Artist events in the near future.

For more information about displaying art or volunteering call Brian at 406-210-6236 or email gallery83mt@gmail.com. Gallery 83 will also be launching their website soon and will feature the artists on display.