The Gallery at the Holland
The Logan County Art League members had always dreamed of having a place of their own ... a place to hold meetings, conduct workshops, present programs and to serve as a Gallery for the League.
In 2001 that dream came true with the purchase of the Holland Theatre by Richard and Peggy Knowlton and the development of the Logan County Landmark Preservation, Inc.
The Logan County Art League, spearheaded by Kathy Gagnon, worked hard to renovate a lower office space into what is now the Gallery at the Holland.
Now the Gallery is open to the public six days a week and is manned by Art League members. The hours are 10-4 on Monday through Friday and 1-4 on Saturday.
When visiting the Gallery you will find the walls covered with the colorful works of the League members. Often there will be a special display from a visiting artist or student work. The display case holds hand made jewelry, stained glass, and hand painted silk. Free-standing displays of raku and other ceramics can be found, as well as hand woven scarves and other fiber arts. Cards for all occasions and prints, all created by League members, are also available. At Christmastime special handmade ornaments are on display and for sale.
So, when in downtown Bellefontaine, be sure to stop at the Gallery at the Holland for a unique and enchanting visual experience.
A little bit about the Logan County Art League
A colorful past
The Logan County Art League has been a part of the area's cultural scene since it was founded in 1954 by the late Edgar Blaine and his students. The purpose of the Art League is to further the art participation and appreciation in Logan County and the region. The first meeting was held in the Zerbee Building. The League has also been housed in the former Lincoln School and the First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine, Ohio, The League now meets in the Gallery at the Holland Theatre.
The group's very first art show was held on the Logan County Courthouse lawn in 1956. The first indoor show was hung at the Holy Trinity Church in 1959 and featured one hundred works of art. Two hundred and twenty-five admirers viewed this initial show. The President of the organization in 1959, Helen Huskins, began the tradition of the League's president donating a work of art as a door prize in the annual Member's Show. That tradition continues today.
A Bright Present and Future...
The Art League has grown in numerous ways since 1954. But many things have stayed true to its beginnings.
The League meets every Monday. The first meeting of each month is a business meeting and these meetings are held at the Gallery at the Holland. The other meetings during the month are hands-on art sessions. These sessions are conducted by advisor Pat Rinehart-Irwin at her studio in the Opera Building on Court Street.
Though the membership contains some very talented professionals, beginners are welcomed and encouraged. A beginner can benefit from the experience of long-time members and our advisor. Although a majority of members work in watercolor and other aqueous media, all media are explored and used within the League, including fine crafts such as weaving, ceramics, and stained glass. The Logan County Art League is a great place to learn, grow and share with other artists on all levels. Workshops are also given by the League.
The membership usually sponsors two major shows a year. In November the annual "Art Fare" is held. At this show people are encouraged to give original art for Christmas. This show contains not only the artwork of the membership, but includes artists and fine craftsmen from through out the state. Live musical entertainment, great food and a festive Christmas atmosphere highlight the event. In recent years the show has been held at the Bellefontaine High School Cafeteria.
In June a show of the art work produced that year is usually displayed for the public. This two day event is often held at the Logan County Friendly Senior Center.
Through out the year the membership takes part in other cultural events in the community. Besides the monthly rotating exhibit at the Gallery at the Holland, art displays can be found at the following locations:
- Huntington National Bank
- Sky Bank
- 5th Third Bank
- Citizens Federal Savings and Loan
- Canterbury Coffee and Tea
- Courthouse Annex Gallery
- Mary Rutan Hospital Gallery
- Hilliker YMCA Gallery