40th Anniversary Celebration

Ptarmigan Arts invites you to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of doing business at our Pioneer Avenue location. Join us on Friday, October 4, from 5-7 pm for fun, festivities, a reunion of current and former artists, and cake!

Although the gallery has had several owners over the span of 40 years – and since 2013 has been organized as a true cooperative entirely owned and operated by its member artists – the one constant over time is the dedication and talent of the Ptarmigan artists.

Founded October 6, 1984 by Sharon McKemie-Bauer, the business initially combined a retail art gallery setting with rental studio space where artists could create their work. By 2003, when the new owner Karen East (“Jewels”) took over the business, Ptarmigan Arts had evolved into a retail gallery minus the working studio component. In 2013, when Ms. East wanted to sell the business and pursue other interests, a group of artists who sold their work through the gallery came together to develop a plan to purchase Ptarmigan Arts and turn it into a cooperative.

Artists have come and gone over the years, as life events occurred and moves took place. Gary and Terri Lyon, Barbara Calkins, Bruce Forster, Ahna Iredale, Kim Terpening, and Mossy Kilcher were among the initial group of Ptarmigan artists in 1984. In the past 40 years scores of well-known Homer artists, including Asia Freeman, Lisa Wood, Nancy Wise, and the late Toby Tyler, displayed and sold their work in the gallery. All told, over 230 artists have chosen to make Ptarmigan Arts their gallery home, and countless others have participated in invitational shows, special exhibitions, and scholarship fundraisers. And now, with a current roster of 38 member-owners and six consignment artists, the gallery thrives on the energy, enthusiasm, and collective effort of its members.

Join us for First Friday on October 4 from 5-7 pm as we kick off our anniversary weekend and celebrate the 40 years of artists who have contributed to the gallery history and heritage. Stop by and visit with friends. Peruse gallery memorabilia collected over the years. Have a piece of celebration cake. And anytime over the weekend, through Sunday October 6, enter to win a $40 gift certificate. The winning name will be drawn on October 6, the anniversary date of Ptarmigan’s founding. No purchase is necessary, and you don’t need to be present to win.