A family that has come and gone through Stillwater has returned to open a family business. Exhibit One gallery, 102 N. Main St., is owned by Michelle Himes-McRory, her sister Rachel Jenson, and their mother, Jewel Himes, who functions as their finance department.
Himes-McRory and Jenson were living on different coasts when their mother suggested moving to Stillwater and opening an art gallery. After returning to Stillwater, both sisters continued college at OSU.
For six years, the three women, along with their husbands, fathers and friends, worked to change the business that was formerly Hong Kong Inn into an art deco-style building. Exhibit One opened Nov. 1.
Even the outside is a work of art.
“The frame on the outside of the front door is actually made from the old Coyle bridge,” Himes-McRory said.
The gallery’s last exhibition, featuring work by Daniel Gulick, Jr. and Virginia Harrison, ended on Sunday. Gulick is an alumnus of OSU and works for the Philbrook Museum along with Harrison. Gulick has done more work around town than just these pieces, however.
“[Gulick] also is the one who painted the side of Chuck’s paint and the front of Cooper’s Locksmith,” Himes-McRory said.
The gallery’s November exhibition artist was William F. Osterman III, another OSU graduate. The next exhibition planned for the gallery is one designed for OSU students to display their artwork to the community.
“We would like all OSU students who create art to bring their work, not just art majors,” Himes-McRory said.
Students interested in displaying art for the upcoming exhibit should bring their to the gallery on Monday and Tuesday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The reception for the exhibition will be on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Wine tasting will be provided by Woodland Park winery of Stillwater, which has provided the wine for the previous two exhibitions.
In March, the owners are planning on exhibiting out-of-state jewelry artists. They are still contacting artists and jewelry makers, so more information will be available from Exhibit One as plans are determined.
Everything on display in the gallery is for sale. Jewelry made by Himes-McRory and Jenson, scarves, made by Jenson and paintings and sculptures created by local and nationally known artists are available.
“We would like to bring in more jewelry and lower-priced items. We realize this is a college town and we are trying to figure out what the community wants,” Jenson said.
Prices are flexible, with art and jewelry costing from $5 to the most expensive sculpture priced at $2,200. Prices will fluctuate depending on what exhibit is running.
Himes-McRory and Jenson also indicated their interest in other forms of art. “We are interested in talking to musicians and even performance artists to perform here in the gallery [or sell their products],” Himes-McRory said.
To submit a portfolio, visit http://www.xonegallery.com. Portfolios are only accepted online. For more information about exhibitions, call the gallery at 533-3278.
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