River City Gallery

Nestled in the heart of downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, River City Gallery has quickly become a cornerstone of the local art scene. This charming gallery, located at 321 Main Street, offers a unique blend of artistic expression and community support that has captivated both residents and visitors alike.

A Pandemic-Born Success Story

River City Gallery’s journey began during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a small outdoor summer market in 2020 soon blossomed into something much more significant[3]. As the colder months approached, founders Robin Moses and her son Tarl Kaio saw an opportunity to create a lasting impact on the local art community.

In November 2020, they launched a holiday season pop-up business called Downtown Art Market. The overwhelming support from the community encouraged them to continue beyond the initial two-month plan[2]. Recognizing the need for a permanent space where local artists could showcase their work, Moses and Kaio rebranded and expanded the business in January 2021, giving birth to River City Gallery[3].

A Diverse Artistic Showcase

Today, River City Gallery represents an impressive roster of 60-65 artists from the La Crosse region[3]. The gallery prides itself on offering a wide range of artistic mediums, ensuring there’s something to captivate every art enthusiast:

• Photography
• Jewelry
• Oil and acrylic paintings
• Watercolors
• Printmaking (woodcuts and linoleum cuts)
• Abstract works
• Pottery (blown glass and ceramics)
• Sculpture
• Fiber arts
• Mixed media

This diverse collection not only showcases the rich talent pool in the region but also provides visitors with a comprehensive art experience[2].

Services Beyond Exhibition

River City Gallery goes above and beyond simple art display. They offer a range of services designed to support both artists and art lovers:

• Art Selection Assistance: The gallery provides expert guidance for selecting art pieces for homes and businesses.
• Custom Framing: A full-service frame shop is available, along with framing classes for those interested in learning the craft[3].
• Commission Work: Many of the gallery’s artists are open to creating custom pieces tailored to specific needs[3].
• Free Consultations: The gallery offers professional advice to help clients make informed decisions about their art purchases.
• Delivery and Installation: To ensure artwork is properly displayed, the gallery provides delivery and installation services.

Community Engagement and Education

River City Gallery is not just a space to view and purchase art; it’s also a place of learning and community engagement. The gallery offers various classes to nurture artistic skills:

• Framing classes
• Beginner and intermediate art classes in acrylic and watercolor techniques[3][6]

One of the gallery’s most exciting initiatives is the Downtown Art Walk. Held on the first Friday of each month from 4-7 pm, this event features exhibitions and new collections at various art galleries and stops in Historic Downtown La Crosse[7]. It’s a perfect opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore the local art scene and meet featured artists.

A Family-Run Business with a Vision

The success of River City Gallery can be attributed to the passion and dedication of its founders. Tarl Kaio, the owner, manages the framing services and handles much of the accounting and record-keeping. His mother, Robin Moses, serves as the curator and handles artist relations, sales, and marketing. Tarl’s wife, Allison, also plays a crucial role, curating and managing social media marketing[2].

Their combined efforts have created a welcoming space that supports local artists while providing the community with access to high-quality, diverse artwork. As Kaio puts it, “We knew there was a need for this in La Crosse. Our family has always been art enthusiasts.”[2]

Looking to the Future

Despite opening during uncertain times, River City Gallery has shown remarkable resilience and growth. The gallery has adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, implementing safety measures to ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors[2].

As tourism rebounds and more people feel comfortable venturing out, the gallery is poised for continued success. With plans to offer more instructional art classes and provide space for private events and artist openings, River City Gallery is set to remain a vital part of La Crosse’s cultural landscape for years to come[2].

Whether you’re a seasoned art collector, a casual enthusiast, or simply curious about the local art scene, River City Gallery offers a welcoming space to explore, learn, and appreciate the rich artistic talent of the La Crosse region. It’s more than just a gallery – it’s a testament to the power of art in bringing communities together, even in the most challenging times.

Citations:
[1] https://www.rivercitygallerylax.com/about
[2] https://lacrossetribune.com/news/nation-world/business/new-downtown-gallery-and-market-features-works-of-area-artists/article_283e7fc4-1239-5a98-9676-a9b82b717c6d.html
[3] https://explorelacrosse.com/river-city-gallery/
[4] https://www.rivercitygallerylax.com/artists
[5] https://www.rivercitygallerylax.com
[6] https://www.rivercitygallerylax.com/classes
[7] https://www.rivercitygallerylax.com/art-walk