ARTICLE
Marion’s DKW Art Gallery, on their second anniversary, is adding new programs, space and gallery features to their current location at 840 7th Ave. The business will celebrate with a ribbon cutting on Friday, November 30 at 4:00 p.m. Deb Weiser, owner and artist, says that she is very happy to be able to expand so soon in the business’s history and says it will help build on current success. In fact, art classes have been so popular it has prompted the renovation of an adjacent garage into a 400 square foot class and meeting room. The space will allow DKW to offer a broader selection of classes to children and adults beginning in January. Weiser said she works with children teaching them art fundamentals and will be adding children’s art parties where the kids can paint, eat cake and sing songs. “For several years I’ve been working with preschools as a teacher and even a cook. I thoroughly enjoy the enthusiasm, joy and spontaneity of children, it lifts me up and I enjoy opening them up to a new experience,” she added. Adults can enjoy the existing Beer & Brushes and Chalk & Cheese classes. Weiser will help the beginner painter/artist or coach along those that may have a little art under their belt but want to expand into new and different medias. New four-session classes will feature basic subjects like perspective, shading, and figure drawing but also include unique subjects like watercolor and color pencil fusion, and wood light and glass with copper. The art gallery will also see the addition of a new Celtic area. Weiser and her husband, Mark, recently returned from a trip to Deb’s native Ireland homeland which inspired them to create the new gallery space. It will feature both historic replica art and themed art created by the dozen plus artists already showing at the gallery. “Often when you step into an art gallery, you can get sticker shock. The first painting you see is thousands of dollars,” says Weiser. “Our art is affordable. Our artists want you to enjoy their work, so their prices are manageable. We have unique art from $20 to over one thousand, plus layaway for those that really fall in love with a certain painting or sculpture.” DKW Art Gallery has expanded hours, Tuesday through Friday noon to 6 pm and Saturday 10 am to 6 pm. Sunday and Monday by appointment only. Some classes will be held outside of regular store hours. Gift certificates available. For more information visit www.dkwgallery.com or stop by to have a sip of coffee or wine during store hours.