With a mission to support other artists, Fine Line Arts, an art gallery, studio and supply store owned and operated by four local artists, opened its doors on Nov. 20.
Fine Line sells "high-quality" art supplies and allows artists to exhibit and sell their work throughout a six-week rotation period.
The gallery will be hosting a free open house for three new exhibiting artists on Jan. 1, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Currently, they are showcasing works from artists Connie Lawry, Natalie Kennedy and Samantha Torkelson until Dec. 31.
Artists receive a commission for the pieces they sell, with a small percentage going to the gallery for operating costs.
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"We sold a good amount of art during our first artist debut. We set it up so artists receive a majority of the benefits. Our mission is to support other artists by allowing them to create and sell their art," said co-owner Megan Roggenbuck. "We would like to become a center to support arts and artists in the community,"
In the future, they will be adding studio spaces for artists to work on their pieces and introducing educational workshops like small business education —for artists — and teaching specific artistic techniques.
"We are passionate about encouraging awareness and unity among the many talented artists in Alexandria. We want to bring artists together and have a place that even the kitchen table artists who don't have a studio or resources can come to use our space and connect," said Janelle Emrud, co-owner of Fine Line Arts.
"To encourage artists that art can be more than just a hobby," added Roggenbuck.
Roggenbuck, 33, Emrud, 38, Rachel Smith, 33, and Krista Fearing, 24, became friends through their shared passion for art. They would meet regularly to talk about art and support their artistic paths. It was during these meetings the idea of Fine Line Arts was born.
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After a year of talking about the idea, it was Roggenbuck's husband that pushed them into reality.
"My husband was really passionate about us doing the gallery and convinced us now would be a good time to start. Janelle Rachel and I were all working part-time," said Roggenbuck.
After finding their location at 518-B Hawthorne St. — next to Common Ground Coffee House — they realized they could make it work.
"Everything just fell into place. And we did all the renovations ourselves, lots of girl power" said Emrud. "With a little help from our husbands."
Roggenbuck said that as they expand, Fine Line Arts will become an excellent location for people to find artists and art while connecting with community members.
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Artists can connect with Fine Line Arts by calling 320-433-0923, emailing finelineartsmn@gmail.com, going to their Facebook page , or stopping in at 518-B Hawthorne St.
