A new fine art gallery has opened in Wimberley at 220 Old Kyle Road. Aptly named the 220 Gallery, it is the endeavor of owner, curator and artist, Suzanne Oliver.
“I grew up in a family of artists,” said Oliver in a recent interview at her gallery across from Community Pizza and the KWVH studios. “My mother earned her degree in art and taught art as her profession.”
And while Oliver’s first professional calling was to be a clinical social worker specializing in elder care, over time she experienced what she described as an “unplanned evolution.”
“It started when I began making jewelry,” she said. “I found space at the gallery Art on 12 to exhibit my work and then joined the Wimberley Valley Art League. From there, I began meeting people and that group became my center in Wimberley.”
Although her mother moved to Wimberley 25 years ago, Oliver didn’t own property in the valley until 2012. By 2015 she’d moved from Austin and settled in as a full-time resident.
“When the Bent Tree Gallery closed,” she continued, “I felt that Wimberley had lost one of its foundational galleries. It affected many of us in the community.”
As the property owner at 220 Old Kyle Road, she learned in January that the space might become available. In the ensuing months between January and May, she contemplated opening a gallery. And then, as fate would have it, the space was hers by May.
“I asked myself what I would rather do and came to the conclusion that this was the road ahead,” she explained. “Everything came together beautifully.”
The gallery opened the weekend of June 23 and seems to have gotten off to a good start.
“I’ve been floored by the positive comments and enthusiasm,” she said. “Artists and visitors told me that the artists I’ve chosen and the way the work is curated has resulted in a gallery that flows together seamlessly.”
More good news was on the horizon as she learned that the building had been designated a State Historical Landmark and will be known from here on out as the Danforth-Kerbow House, after two descendants of Pleasant Wimberley, Susie Danforth and Dorothy Kerbow.
The 220 Gallery currently showcases the work of 15 artists. Sculptors, painters, assemblage artists, ceramists, jewelers, fiber artists, weavers and photographers are represented in the handsome gallery. Art books for adults and children, art supplies, notecards are likewise available.
Monthly events are planned. This Saturday, July 15, just in time for the launch of the Warner Brothers movie, “Barbie,” the gallery will present an exhibition called “Barbie Revisted.” Artists will present creations inspired by the iconic American doll.
The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. To learn more about the 220 Gallery, their current artists and events, visit 220gallery. com.
