Olympia, WA – Matter Gallery in downtown Olympia signed its 100th artist this week.
Matter opened in October of 2009 with 35 Pacific Northwest artists using recycled and reclaimed materials. The only contemporary, fine art gallery on the West Coast to exclusively feature artworks made with repurposed materials, Matter has become popular with collectors and artists alike.
Currently, Matter receives submissions from as many as 15 artists each week. Nearly all 100 Matter artists are from Washington or Oregon; 24 are from Olympia. Beyond concentrating on the materials chosen, owner Jo Gallaugher is careful to select works with an eye toward artistry and quality. A conscious effort is made to keep a balance of organic, industrial, elegant, abstract and even a few funky works of art.
Art patrons near and far are drawn to the gallery, as well as to Matter’s online presence. In its first six months, Matter attracted more than 1,000 Facebook fans and routinely ships artworks out of state.
Works at Matter include wall art, sculpture, jewelry, lamps, furniture and garden adornments. Price points allow for art to be accessible by all; the artworks currently in the gallery range in price from $8 to $4,500.
Matter Gallery is in downtown Olympia at 113 Fifth Avenue SW, between Capitol and Columbia. The gallery is open every day. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday and Monday noon to 5 p.m. More information can be found at www.matteroly.com.
