I started working with Sm’Art gallery I think 3 years ago, maybe 4. It was a strange start. I received a cold-call email that sounded good, not the usual scam stuff, but the attachment wouldn’t open. After some thought I replied. It was a real offer, Alana had managed to have an email blast sent to the local attendees of ‘Art under the umbrellas’ show.
I signed up for the co-op gallery – we share the rent and working in the gallery. I have made many good contacts and friends over the years, taught a lot of classes (Alana was instrumental in the design of the ‘Painting for Absolute Beginners’ class and the contact that let to a season of intermediate classes, the contents of which become follow on exercises for ‘Absolute Beginners’.
At the end of October, Alana decided to close the gallery. A combination of factors came together at the end of the lease and we had our final evening. Here are a couple photos from the first 20 minutes before the crowd got there.
Just getting set up. Holly had created some ‘Day of the Dead’ paintings.
Sitting around chatting. We did quite a bit of business that night, especially Janice – who is the one with the gray shirt, on her device.
Skyscapes for the Soul - Jeni Bate 
What a pity that Alana decided to close the gallery ❤
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I “liked” the post, but only because I needed to recognize that you posted it. Always sorry to hear about something art-related (and long-lived) having to close.
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It is always sad when a gallery closes 😔
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We are all sad that our group has scattered, but it has allowed the gallery owner to branch out in other ways. It will also allow me to explore other possibilities locally that would otherwise have been a conflict of interest. I hope it will be the same for others.
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