The year 2007 marks a milestone for both the Gail Severn Gallery and the Friesen Gallery in Ketchum.
The Gail Severn Gallery celebrates 30 years in business and the Friesen Gallery celebrates 20 years. Both galleries are members of the Sun Valley Gallery Association, which began 26 years ago as a non-profit entity and today is a leader in Ketchum's well-supported visual arts community.
Before the association existed, the Gail Severn Gallery opened in 1977 in a frame shop with only 250 square feet. Today it makes its home on First Avenue in Ketchum, offering more than 8,000 square feet of exhibition space with an outdoor sculpture space.
"I grew up in Idaho," Gail Severn said. "I came here and fell in love with what was going on at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. Bill and Glenn Janss were ahead of their time, and they were the most remarkable visionaries."
The Jansses founded The Center in 1971, and Severn said it was largely their dedication to the arts that has allowed Sun Valley to be more than a ski resort.
Severn recalls starting her gallery in a different era than what exists today.
"All the small business owners would stand in line for loans at the local banks," she said. "The banks understood what slack really meant."
Friesen recalls that when she opened her gallery four days before the end of 1986, she didn't have much of a plan.
"I was so passionate and excited it never crossed my mind that I didn't know how to run a gallery," Friesen said. "It was an intense learning curve. The way in which the gallery is operated¾how clients are taken care of as well as visitors and artists¾those principles and protocols exist because I did everything wrong."
She said she is now grateful for the fact that she had no choice but to make her business succeed.
"I work in the gallery from the standpoint and opportunity to pay it forward," Friesen said.
Both Severn and Friesen believe it is the communal spirit of Sun Valley businesses and the people who reside in the valley that have contributed to their success.
"There is still something very unique about being here," Severn said. "We all have to learn change, and building relationships is key.
"The comradeship among the galleries started with the gallery association. We all have a mutual admiration for each other, which makes a difference."
When Friesen opened her gallery, the association was already in place.
"The template was there and I wholeheartedly jumped on the bandwagon," she said.
In celebration of their anniversaries, both galleries have planned exhibitions and events to celebrate their artists, clients and the many visitors who come through their doors. The Gail Severn Gallery will feature its artists in exhibitions throughout the year as well as publish a catalog of all the artists the gallery represents.
"Stay tuned for coming attractions," said Friesen. "I am very excited for the future."
Gail Severn stands next to a Julie Speidel sculpture. Photo by David N. Seelig
