| The History of the Open Door Gallery In 2000 the Sturgis D.D.A. purchased the oldest building in downtown Sturgis, located at 101 W. Chicago. With the assistance of the Sturgis City Commission, the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and countless other donors, the goal was to turn the building into a regional cultural arts center. Interior demolition began in January of 2001 with help from local volunteers. The brick walls tin ceiling and wooden floors were exposed. Three new display windows were added to the East Side of the first floor. An original pulley elevator remains in working condition. The “Purdy Sisters” stopped in for a visit last year and confirmed that the elevator transported goods from the basement to the first floor store. Their father operated the Purdy Grocery store in the 1940's. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The ultimate goal of the artists is to completely restore the three-story building. Currently work is being done on the second floor. It will house classrooms and individual artist’s studios. The third floor is a wide-open space and the possibilities for its uses are endless. Before the third floor can be used an elevator and a fire suppression system must be installed. We could not’t begin to count all of the volunteer hours that have gone into this project. No one is paid for his or her services. We have had students, artists, service organizations and retired citizens that just want to see this building realize is full potential. Several programs and events are offered at the gallery. Some of the events are one-man shows, art classes, tours, student art shows, art appreciation classes, poetry reading, and wine tasting. Art supplies are also sold. The gallery is co- host of the quarterly Art Bounce that is held downtown. The gallery also features an artist of the month, and can be rented for meetings and private dinners. The Open Door Gallery promotes the importance and value of art in all forms. The work in the gallery includes paintings, pottery, glasswork, jewelry, wood working and fiber arts. Artists and volunteers keep the gallery open six days a week. The artists are from Sturgis, Coldwater, Constantine, Kalamazoo and LaGrange, IN. If you would like to become a juried artist or just volunteer to help on a project please contact Sarah Kalasky at 651-1650. |
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| Open Door Art Gallery 101 West Chicago Road, Sturgis, MI 49091, Phone:1.269.659.9977 Email: OpenDoorGallery@opendoorartgallery.com |