 Robert Graves Gallery |
HISTORY
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| Robert Graves Gallery |
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On Friday, September 21, 2007, Gallery ’76 was rededicated as The Robert Graves Gallery to recognize Mr. Graves’ efforts to establish a public art gallery for the citizens of North Central Washington and to honor his 34 year teaching career at Wenatchee Valley College. The opening reception drew between 100 – 200 art supporters, former students, individuals involved with gallery project, and Mr. Graves’ family members.
In 1973 Mr. Graves began work to make his vision a reality. He approached the Allied Arts Council of North Central Washington and Wenatchee Valley College for their support, and Alcoa contributed funds and loaned their contemporary art collection for the Raise the Roof Evening of Jazz fund raising event.
The gallery began to take shape in 1974 when plans were made to enclose the courtyard located in Sexton Hall and raise a roof over the space. At that time, Sexton Hall also housed the art department so the location of the gallery was ideal for its educational value for the arts and humanities students as well as for anyone who had an interest in art. The gallery opened in April 1976 as Gallery ‘76 during the year of America’s Bicentennial.
With the change of the gallery’s name to the Robert Graves Gallery, a new logo was designed and it was unveiled at the opening reception which was attended by approximately 100 – 200 art supporters, former students, individuals involved with gallery project as well as Mr. Graves’ family members.
An exhibition of Mr. Graves’ paintings, monotypes, mixed-media works, and pen and ink sketches were on view from September 17, 2007 through October 20, 2007.
The following is a brief history of the relationship between the two galleries mentioned in the title, why one has superseded the other, and why it is important to Wenatchee and the culture of north central Washington.
Gallery 76 was founded on the Wenatchee Valley College campus in 1976. It was created when Robert Graves as head of the WVC Art Department convinced the administration that an art gallery was needed and the courtyard in Sexton Hall could be used for that purpose. All it needed was a roof, lighting and a floor. The community rallied to the cause and literally “raised the roof” with funds from a variety of sources. The name “Gallery 76”was chosen for the nonprofit corporation formed to operate the gallery, its mission being to provide free exhibits of quality art that would otherwise not be available for viewing in this area. To this day we are one of only two galleries in the State of Washington’s system of higher education that operates as independent nonprofit corporations, and the only one not receiving staff support from the college they serve.
For thirty years we have fulfilled our stated goals in service to the college and the community, sustained by WVC, which allows us to remain in place and supplies utilities, office space, a storage closet, parking, and a yearly stipend for printing and postage. For this we are grateful. The cost of insurance, transportation, accommodations, shipping and handling, receptions, graphic design and advertising is all paid for from membership dues, donations, sales and fund raising. We receive pro bono assistance from Speidel and Associates, Susanne Altman, CPA and the Saggezza Creative Group.
Gallery Hours |
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Monday |
8 am ~ 8pm |
Tuesday |
9 am ~ 1 pm |
Wednesday |
9 am ~ 1 pm |
Thursday |
9 am ~ 1 pm |
Or by appointment ~ 509.665.9577 |
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