When Brooke Bonner and her mother Helen Bonner decided to open the Green Antelope Gallery in Bellevue more than five months ago, their expectations were kept to a minimum. Their main mission for the gallery was to exhibit local artists.
"We weren't sure at first, so, we had a couple of non-locals showing. But now we have more local artists," Brooke said. "We actually have become closer to our local artists."
Bellevue may not appear to be a cultural mecca, but upon a closer look, things are happening.
"There is a real need for cultural entities, and I think that people have a stereotype of Bellevue as an ugly step child of the valley," Brooke said. "It is an arts-oriented community, and Bellevue has the opportunity to be a really wonderful walkable community."
Located at 116 South 2nd St., the Green Antelope has had much success with their artist receptions, and businesses near the gallery have benefited from the traffic flow.
"Hopefully it will catch on," Brooke said. "It's nice to have a cultural event in Bellevue and people have traveled from Ketchum for our receptions."
Brooke was especially pleased by the overwhelming interest in the gallery's most recent reception for valley artists Katie Flood and Mary Ellen Mahar.
"I couldn't believe how busy we were. I couldn't schmooze the way I wanted to, but we did sell some pieces," Brooke said. "I love Bellevue, and have lived here for 18 years and 27 years in the valley. My mother and I are committed to being here. Bellevue benefits from the tourist industry, but we are self-sufficient and not dependent."
The success of the Green Antelope has led the Bonners to create an arts and crafts festival for Memorial Day weekend.
"We are having an 'Art in the Yard' festival. Our back yard has apple trees and rose bushes as well as some sculpture, and it is a great environment. We will set up booths for people to participate," Brooke said.
The festival will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 26, through Monday, May 28. There are spaces available for artists. For more information, call 788-2353.
?Flowers? by Mary Ellen Mahar. Oil on Canvas, 36? x 36?at the Green Antelope Gallery.
