Giving back to Boise with art
By Haley Grugel
Gallery 601, a true downtown Boise original, is making big moves in our quickly growing city. After 38 years of being part of Boise’s expanding art community, the gallery is embarking on another new business venture.
Owners Terry Berg and Christine Otradovec have forged a partnership with the Grove Hotel. The ever-evolving gallery has been operating out of two locations over the past eight years, and has now decided to move to their previous satellite location full time. Christine explained that, “over the past eight years our business has grown so much we decided to concentrate all of our energy into this one spot.”
This location, which had previously been a small second shop on the corner of 8th and Front Street, will now be the gallery’s primary location. While it may be small in size, it’s boasting with fresh ideas and resources. As one of First Thursday’s pioneer galleries, the new partnership will provide a prime location for people to visit.
Outside of First Thursday, Christine also said, “our artist shows will be held in either the ballroom on the second floor or the Terrace suites on the 4h floor.” They have already started planning events in the new space saying, “so far, we have two shows scheduled this year with Idaho artist John Horejs in August, and California artist, Will Bullas in September. Both artists are creating new works of art in the hotel lobby.”
You can already see the gallery’s influence on the hotel with some of their original works of art on the main floor. Starting in May, they will also be extending their art to the second and third floors. This not only allows the hotels’ visitors to enjoy and purchase the galleries unique works of art, but also Boise locals.
Even with the smaller location, Gallery 601 still has over 6500 works of art in stock, and access to much more. Terry and Christine have built many amazing relationships with local, national, and international artists over the past 40 years – making them a great artistic resource in our community. At their new location, they’ll also be offering custom framing and delivery options as well.
An ever-changing gallery, Gallery 601 is always adding more artists and seeking out new and exciting ideas. “You will still find us supporting the local, national, and international artists that you have come to know and love,” Christine said. “Our website, with over 2100 works of art on it, grows almost daily.”
Gallery 601 has always given back to the community, and will continue to do so. This August, they are working with the Idaho Humane Society at the ‘A Toast to Tails’ fundraiser at the CenturyLink Arena. For Terry and Christine, being a part of fundraisers and giving back has always been a way to say ‘Thank You’ to the community that has supported them over the years.
To learn more about Gallery 601, please visit www.gallery601.com.
