Art gallery pops up in empty Town Green storefront
Drew Jackson of Windsor plays with his dog Aibileen at his "phantom" art gallery in Windsor, Wednesday, Feb 23, 2011. With a growing number of vacant stores near the Town Green in Windsor, developer Orin Thiessen is allowing art galleries to occupy the space. (KENT PORTER)
By CLARK MASON
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The ghosts of businesses departed linger in Windsor’s Town Green Village as developer Orrin Thiessen struggles to keep tenants in his downtown project.
But rather than leaving storefronts empty, Thiessen is allowing artists to use them temporarily as galleries, rent-free as long as they pay the utilities.
Those “phantom galleries” fill the space between tenants.
The one at 9091 Windsor Road called Phantom Gallery, used to hold a map store, followed by a skateboard and apparel shop, all of which closed.
Then photographer Drew Jackson occupied it, replaced this week by members of the Windsor Arts Council who will exhibit their work there.
Jackson thinks the concept benefits everyone. “The landlord has a space that’s well-lit and cared for, while artists have the opportunity to show their work,” he said.
About three dozen of his photographs lined the walls, many taken while traveling to 22 countries. The exotic images capture giraffes, zebras and Cape buffalo, dreamy riverboat scenes in Vietnam and the inside of Napoleon’s tomb in Paris.
But the one most popular with gallery visitors was his nighttime rooftop shot of the Town Green, which he offers in large print and postcard-size.
“People love to look at pictures from all over the world,” said Jackson, “but I’ve mostly sold the picture of Windsor.”
A fifth-grade teacher, Jackson also owns a townhome in Town Green Village where he lives with his wife, Mary, a retired English teacher.
As part of the agreement, the artists occupy 1,200 square feet and pay only for the cost of utilities and, in some cases, dues. The only unknown is how long they get to keep the gallery.
Thiessen said having a phantom gallery is a “win-win” proposition. The artists spruce up the space; it’s easier to market to potential tenants; and “it looks a lot better for people who have businesses there.”
Thiessen is a kindred spirit. He minored in art in college, his mother is an artist and his wife, Terri, has a degree in art.
Across the street from Phantom Gallery, landscape and figure painter Bill Shelley just opened his rent-free gallery.
His space was last occupied by a software developer and before that a children’s clothing store.
He also pays the cost of utilities and a fee that covers janitorial service and bathroom access.
“I’m a practicing artist. I don’t want to become a gallery owner,” Shelley explained. “This is a great opportunity to do something creative, community-connected.”
Shelley describes his gallery as “an interactive working studio” that will exhibit still-life oil paintings he produces there.
It’s fitting that his subjects will be fruits and vegetables, since he plans to donate 25 percent of the proceeds from sales to a food pantry operated by Windsor Service Alliance.
Shelley intends to leave the door ajar to welcome curious passersby who want to come in and watch him paint.
“People will automatically poke their head in and say ‘hi.’ I hope to have that door open,” he said.
Anyone interested in establishing a phantom gallery in a vacant storefront owned by Thiessen Homes can contact Mary Jackson at jackson1@sonic.net.
contact me
What a great thing Mr. Thiessen the landlord is doing. Rent Free Phantom Galleries.
There are still good people around.
Julie Villa is right on the mark. What a creative thinker Mr. Thiessen is.
Thanks Orrin Thiessen. I was part of “Phantom Galleries” in downtown Santa Rosa from the start. They are beneficial to all. Because Mr. Thiessen has experience art first hand, he understands the importance of art in the environement.
Having a phantom gallery is a “win-win” proposition business wise, and also in keeping our community healthy and well balanced.
Good Afternoon Mr. Thiessen:
What a wonderful idea the “Phantom Gallery” proposition presents! I am a local artist, just recently stepping-away from the traditional work force after 35 years; to pursue what I love to to most: Painting.
My Windsor Business License #: 006442
Google Search web site: y9notcreations.com
Most of the work I do is directed towards the wine industry: Hand-painted wine glasses, barrel staves and the actual barrels themselves. Because I take orders for customer specific creations, I do not carry an inventory; with the exception of a dozen sample hand-painted glasses I keep on-hand for marketing purposes. Because of this fact, I am am not sure how to best become a participant in the “Phantom Gallery” opportunity.
I welcome you to visit my web page and view the photos of my work. Any ideas you have are much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Olivia Boyd, local artist
y9notcreations.com
707-836-1923
Please contact Mary Jackson – jackson1@sonic.net, if interested in this opportunity
Olivia, You need to re-read the last line of the article. Thanks.
Orrin Thiessen is the man that makes all this possible. His vision, courage, and trust gives the local artists an opportunity to build a rich and vibrant art community here on the Windsor Town Green. Now it is in the hands of the artists to realize his vision.
Thanks Orrin.
This sounds so exciting!
I would love to know the details.
I am a photographer in Santa Rosa and love to take photos of the entire Bay Area.
What a great opportunity for artists to be able to exhibit their work and it will definitely help the look of the area and be much more inviting for tourists.
Thank you !
Marlene Smith
What a fabulous idea! I appreciate the creative thinking of Mr. Thiessen. It truly is a win/win proposition. If all towns and cities expanded their visions they too would adopt this idea. The concept is a huge boost to the whole community. Big thumbs up Mr. T, you’re a creative genius!
The opening of the Windsor Art Council Phantom Gallery has caused a lot of buzz in the Old Downtown. Word has floated around through the art community and now Front Burner has also opened across the street for the WAC gallery. Soon two more galleries are opening. We look forward to an Art Walk and how the artist will attract people from Windsors many events on the Green.
Thank you to Mary and Drew Jackson for spearheading this effort and the Windsor Art Council for their forward thinking in taking on the adventure. It would not be possible without Orrin and Terri Thiessen and their generous hearts.
The comment above is right on! “It truly is a win/win” for the Town, the Green, the artists, and our community.
Thank you to all.
Karen Alves