Art of Oconee Gallery began two years ago and has remained committed to providing the area with quality local art. According to the artists, art is the focal point for any room, and can be a wonderful conversation starter.

Gail Vail, one of the artists involved with the gallery, has been enjoying art since she was a child. “I can’t imagine a time when I didn’t love art. I used to draw horses as a little girl, and I took my first oil painting class in the sixth grade,” Vail said. “The drama that light brings to a piece fascinates me, and I can’t imagine my life without art.”

Throughout the gallery, each of the 14 artists has a section completely devoted to their work, and each section features an artist’s statement with the collection. Artists within the new gallery location are happy to do commission work.

“Our artists also have websites that showcase all of their work to appeal to a customer. If a customer loves a specific artist, but they don’t see what they are looking for in the store, they will probably find it in the artist’s catalogue online,” Vail said.

In addition to a new look, the gallery has also added a new artist – potter Diane Davies. The creator of Art at the Rock, Davies is well known through out the area and has a large following of collectors of her work. Other represented artists include painters Kendall Boggs, Deborah Lawrence, Shannon Candler, Bobby Cresswell, Nan McGarity, Cathy McIntire, Sherry Turner, and Vail, along with photographers Kelly Clower and Tracy Hayden and jewelry designers Kelly Clower and Ellen Cowne. The studio has partnered with “Dress the Walls” framing shop and the two galleries have a shared door to allow easy accessibility for customers. “We felt there was a great deal of symmetry when we paired with ‘Dress the Walls.’ David Siffert and wife Maria own the shop, and David is an artist that paints in gouache. It is a very opaque painting medium,” Vail said.

Partnering with the store has opened up new avenues for both customers and artists. It seems natural that artwork and framing would be positioned in one new and luxurious store.

“So far, the partnership has been wonderful. I’ve been able to visit with customers and talk about art and framing. I can direct them to ‘Dress the Walls’ after the purchase a new piece of artwork and they can find the perfect frame for it. There has been so much excitement among customers,” Vail said.

The Grand Opening of the new studio will be on May 12 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will feature light appetizers, wine tasting and a chance to meet the artists and enjoy the art showcased within the store. Art of Oconee Gallery is located on 106 Scott Oak Drive in Eatonton. For more information check out the website for the pictures of the gallery and news updates at www.artofoconee.com.