East Fork celebrates 30 years

GARDNERVILLE, Nev.

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

The artists of East Fork Gallery are throwing a party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the formation of their artists' co-op.

There will be an exhibit of paintings from the 13 original members plus work from each of the current artists, refreshments and a raffle for a framed watercolor print by original East Fork member James Lawrence at the reception, 4-8 p.m. Friday.

The East Fork Gallery was established in 1979 in response to a group of Carson Valley artists wanting a suitable place to display and sell good quality original art. They formed an association and took over the old Western Auto store in Gardnerville, where the Heritage Inn is now.

"The East Fork wouldn't exist without community support," said six-year member Kas Monson. "The gallery is a good part of the history of the Valley. People who have been here for a while appreciate it and remember."

Part of what the East Fork Gallery is known for is the annual scarecrow festival held every fall since the mid-1980s.

And many remember that in January 1995, the original East Fork Gallery and next-door business Coventry Cross Thrift Shop were destroyed by an arson fire. The artists lost much of their work, as well as the place where it was displayed.

Eight members continued in the cooperative and reopened the East Fork in a new gallery inside the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center seven months later.

In 2000, the gallery moved to its present location in The Record-Courier building in Gardnerville.

Elfriede Short is the last charter member still active as an artist at the gallery. Other surviving charter members are Nancy Jackson, Luetta Bergevin and Leone Cloepfil.

Short said being a co-op is the key to surviving through tough economic times.

"It's a little slow, we're not selling like hot cakes," Short said. "But we're hanging in there."

They don't have to pay employees and they take turns watching the store.

Being a part of the gallery co-op is not only about sharing the work.

"We inspire each other," said artist Beth Bosmans. "We have different styles and get pleasure from doing art. We like to share our insight."

East Fork artist Marge Buttles said that charter member Geraldine Lawrence used to say they weren't going to get rich doing art.

"So I paint for myself," said Buttles. "Art is something I've got to do every day. It's part of my life."

The East Fork artists want to share 30 years of memories and thank their patrons at their anniversary reception, 4-8 p.m. Friday, at the gallery, 1503 Highway 395, Gardnerville.

The work of current gallery members and 23 consignors will be on display and refreshments will be served at the reception. Raffle tickets for the James Lawrence watercolor print are $1 each or $5 for six. Information, 782-7629.

Current members:

Margaret Biggs

Beth Bosmans

Marge Buttles

Ann Cameron

Betty Chessin

Mechele Johnson

Margie Leslie

Helen Martin

Kas Monson

Dorrine Sadilek

Janice Powell Shedd

Elfriede Short

Jolinda Smith

Charter members:

Luetta Bergevin

Marjory Cassina

Leone Cloepfil

Virginia Harsh

Nancy Jackson

Elizabeth Johnson

Lois Jones

Lynn Kelly

Geraldine Lawrence

James Lawrence

Walter Long

Margaret Martin

Elfriede Short