'A Gift of Art' gallery opening in Columbia City

November 26, 2010

Post & Mail photos/Ruth Stanley — Proprietors of a new art gallery in Columbia City, “A Gift of Art” arrange local artist’s creations. From left, Sarah Creason and Jeanne Pfeiffer in the Sun Kiss Tanning Salon, where the gallery is located.

From the turnout at the Autumn Art Festival in Columbia City each fall, and the many local artists who bring their work to the event, it is apparent that art is alive and well in Whitley County.
But where can you find local original artwork the other 51 weeks of the year?
With the opening Saturday of a new Art Gallery, called “A Gift of Art,” this question has an answer.
“(There are) so many talented artists that people never get to see,” said Jeanne Pfeiffer, owner of Sun Kiss Tanning Salon. “It’s hard for them to find a venue for people to see it.”
“A Gift of Art” is located, “nestled in the heart of Sun Kiss Tanning Salon” in an area formerly filled with exercise equipment.
Pfeiffer teamed up with local award-winning artist Sarah Creason for this venture.
“I brought Sarah in and showed her the wall and said, ‘Does it look like art belongs here?’” said Pfeiffer. “She said, ‘Absolutely!’ and therein lies the birth of a gallery in Columbia City.”
“I’m just so excited to have my art on a wall,” said Creason, who creates oil paintings. Other artists whose artwork will be on display include Fred Doloresco, oil painter; Susan Ring, watercolorist; Tom Sherbondy, potter; Bev Gardner, colored pencil artist; Frani Harris, Native American oils; Sheryl Ruegner, fine jewelry; and Cynthia Ballinger, clay artist.
Creason insists upscale, fine art will be offered for viewing and everything is also for sale. “We want to bring some good art and culture in this community of local artists,” she said.
The grand opening of “A Gift of Art” is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the tanning salon located at 541 N. Line Street in Columbia City.
“Drop by,” say the new salon’s flyers, “you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”