Gallery celebrating its 35th birthday

ESCANABA — Those looking to spend a summer day checking out the work of some local artists will have a chance to do just that next week in Escanaba.

The East Ludington Gallery will be holding an open house Monday to celebrate a big milestone. The artist cooperative has been in business for thirty-five years. Organizers hope the open house will earn new visitors’ interest in the overflowing collection of art for sale and provide a ‘thank you’ to the community.

“It’s a celebration. So we want to share the fact that we’ve been in business this long, and to thank our customers who have been loyal followers,” said Diane Kribs-Mays, a gallery member who also serves on the Marketing Committee.

So how does a collection of artists keep a gallery going for over three decades?

“We try to keep the prices relatively low so that it’s more affordable for everyone, and I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve stayed in business that long, and the other is that we offer a variety,” Kribs-Mays added, “and we’re very pleasant and helpful.”

The open house will start at 10:00 a.m. and run until 5:00 p.m. Artists will be on hand to demonstrate their skills. The gallery is located at 1007 Ludington Street.