Galena Center for The Arts

My husband and I were here to see the «Wonder of Wood» exhibit. This is a free center where local artists can display and sell their art. They do ask for donations. The building used to be a hospital, with a healthcare facility attached. This center is in the old doctor’s office area, hence the specimen door in the bathrooms. The retirement community is in the old hospital area of the building.
The exhibit of woods was wonderful and I would have bought some of it had I had that kind of money. Most items that I really liked were «NFS» not for sale. I could see why. There was a collection of very old photos of Galena from the Alfie Mueller Collection that were fascinating. There is a room with some chairs and a short video of an interview of Mr. Mueller, who has passed away, that you should watch.
This visit took us maybe one hour, maybe a little longer.

The center is a non-​profit where local artists display their work, and where various other activities such as live music, dance and films can be accessed by the public. For example, in summer, beginning at the end of June they offer free films for kids from 6−8PM. You can also get Tango lessons. It occupies, I believe, a former hospital, and is adjacent to a long term care facility. So the «studios» are former patient rooms. There is gallery and exhibit space right at the entrance, and a small downstairs space for performances, and in winter, a farmer’s market and craft fair. A pretty bare bones, utilitarian space. The art upstairs can be purchased. Entrance is free and donations are welcome. In a town where 85% of building are historic, I was kind of expecting the center to be in an old school, perhaps. But kudos to the town and the art community for even having a center for the arts. And for not naming it something like «Community Memorial General Center for The Arts.» And most important, there is a lot of nice artwork here.