Iowa City art gallery expansion means more space for local work

The expansion and remodeling of a well-known art gallery in downtown Iowa City will allow more display space for local works.

The Iowa Artisans Gallery, 207 E. Washington St., was closed for 10 days last month as workers replaced carpet, re-positioned fixtures, rearranged displays and painted walls.

The gallery grew by about 1,000 square feet when Don Rinner, co-owner of the gallery and owner of the jewelry business DJ Rinner Goldsmith that shared the space, retired on Jan. 13.

Gallery co-owner Astrid Bennett said the changes included removing some "funky" royal blue carpet that was often a topic of conversation among customers.

“We've flipped things around, putting our sales register and wrapping area where (Rinner's) things used to be,” gallery co-owner Astrid Bennett said. “We've kind of opened it up and moved our glass shelves up front where they catch the light really well.”

Bennett said the expansion and remodeling make it possible for the gallery to include more unusual jewelry and to display more locally made furniture. Other artwork featured at the gallery was designed from ceramics, wood, glass and metal.

Twelve craft artists founded Iowa Artisans Gallery in 1984. Specializing in artwork created in the Midwest, the gallery represents some 200 artists from the United States and Canada. Over the years, the gallery has moved twice and rearranged several times, Bennett said.

“Having a viable business always means trying to look at what you're doing and always be aware that you keep up, continue to grow and bring people things that they're looking for,” Bennett said. “It's always a process of reinvention when you're a small business.”

The changes to the gallery will be on display Friday evening as the gallery holds a reception in conjunction with the Iowa City Gallery Walk.