During the well-attended Morrison, IL, Christmas Walk on Saturday, December 2, 2017, the public was welcomed to visually unwrap a present, at 112 E. Main Street. The “present” was a blank canvas that will be transformed next month into an art gallery, with studio spaces and a retail business. A soft opening is set for Friday, December 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Friday, January 19, 2018, hours will change and a Grand Opening will take place.
Currently, the gallery is controlled by Morrison Area Development corporation (MADC). It will be managed by volunteers. In 2018, after paperwork is filed, Loft 112 will become a not-for-profit corporation. Decisions will determine how to capture a revenue stream from leasing vendor space and studio space for artists to work; memberships; donations of support; special events. Woodlawn Arts Academy will offer classes, and private music lessons will be taught at Loft 112.
“This will be a first-rate, high-quality facility,” stated MADC Executive Director Kim Ewoldsen, “You will see a higher level of art products, not arts and crafts. We are working with four County tourism groups, reaching out to artists all over the area.”
There are a dozen committed artists who will begin this enterprise. “Some vendors are from other galleries,” noted Ewoldsen. “One woman who lives in Germany will bring her works, when she comes to visit at Christmas! The arts build a community.”
Beginning Thursday, January 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Loft 1112 will sell mini muffins from Baked By Liz, while the bakeshop closes mid-week. Loft (non-Liz) coffee will be available.
Editor’s note: The following article was written by MADC President Jerry Lindsey. The photos were taken by him.
An idea of opening an upscale art gallery and studio in downtown Morrison, IL, received the green flag from the Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC) in the spring [March], and the doors are opening on Friday, December 15, 2017. The timetable accomplishment is evidence of the commitment of MADC and the volunteerism of the area artists….[They] have embraced the opportunity to showcase their talent and offer the area a retail outlet that brings local talent into the homes of Northwest Illinois.
Loft 112 is located at 112 E. Main Street in Morrison[, IL]….The initial opening will feature the talents of between ten and 15 local artists with a variety of mediums, including glass, glass jewelry, wood, paintings, portraits, photography, and more. MADC Executive Director Kim Ewoldsen noted, “I am amazed at the talent and quality of what I have seen already installed in the gallery,” as the artists continued to deliver their work throughout the week.
The year-end hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on
- Friday, December 15, Saturday; December 16; Sunday, December 17
- Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22
- Thursday, December 28, and Friday, December 29.
