by Caroline Menzies

When Carl Bell and Lin Souliere bought the large, sand coloured building at 828 3rd Avenue East five years ago, they had two purposes in mind. First was to provide a storefront and more central location for Carl's alternative energy business, Grassroots Solar, which he had been operating previously from their Lion's Head home; and second was to create Santa Fe Gallery, from which to display and sell their own and other people's artwork.

The building itself has a varied and somewhat iconic history. It was built in 1945 and has housed at least two wholesale businesses, Hudson's Bay Company, Leckie's Office Supplies, and in more recent years Community Living offices and Taylor Electronics. But this isn't its first incarnation as an artistic space. Sometime back in the 60's and 70's, the top floor was a popular concert and dance hall, known as The Rainbow Room.

On the same floor as the dance hall, Carl, who did much of the renovation work himself, has created a stunning public gallery space. In addition to the large open gallery on the second floor, he has added many smaller rooms which run off long winding hallways. He was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the southwestern style he emulated is evident throughout the building. Even the name of the gallery is in deference to the art capital of New Mexico.

Lin and Carl each have an extensive art background and their home studio, Dragonfly Ridge, near Lion's Head, is open to visitors throughout the summer months.

Lin, who hails from Delaware, now part of London, has worked as an illustrator for Simpsons and as a graphic artist in the advertising industry, but mostly has been a full time artist. She has won many awards over the years, including the prestigious Paint Ontario Grand Prize of $2000.00 this year at Lambton Heritage Museum's annual art show for her watercolour painting, "Coastal Pebbles."

Carl is an avid photographer and the gallery has many examples of his photos from around the world. His distinct style features unusual closeups, which sometimes result in semi-abstract depictions of his natural subjects.

The Santa Fe Gallery is also home to private art studios and this year, for the first time, the seven studio artists are presenting their own group show, "The Santa Fe Seven," which features artwork by Carl Bell, Sandy Esplen, Alan Glicksman, Joan Hawksbridge, Caroline Menzies, Lin Souliere, and Susan Watson. Their work will fill the large gallery room on the second floor for the summer months until September 6.

The opening reception for the Santa Fe Seven show is Saturday, July 8 from 2-4. The artists will be on hand and light refreshments will be available.

If you stop by the gallery, you can wander the halls upstairs and down, and see paintings by at least 100 artists from throughout the area and beyond. It's a lovely airy space, and a peaceful oasis in the heart of downtown. Regular gallery hours are Monday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday 10-1. Oh, and parking is free downtown on Saturdays!

www.dragonflyridgestudio.ca