Watermark Art Center is excited to introduce “gallery 505,” a temporary retail gallery located at 505 Bemidji Ave N., in the future Watermark Art Center building (former Lakeside Luekens). This gallery, which opened May 27, features large-scale artwork created by regional artists, all of which is available for purchase.

“This new space allows us to sell art that our current location couldn’t accommodate due to size and space limitations,” said Watermark Executive Director Lori Forshee-Donnay. “We have large paintings and framed photographs, ceramics items, and sculptures, many of which fit in our exhibit gallery but are too large for our current retail space.”

In addition to being a retail spot, “gallery 505” is also a chance for the community to get a glimpse inside Watermark’s future home and includes a display of recent floor plans and updated exterior drawings for the future Watermark Art Center. Community members are welcome to come view the plans and inquire about the Watermark Project.

All art at “gallery 505” is for sale, but the pieces are also displayed to allow for greater viewing pleasure. Visitors can come simply to look and admire artwork created by accomplished regional artists.

“We want people to be comfortable coming to the space often to appreciate and be inspired by art,” said Forshee-Donnay. “This isn’t just about retail, it’s also about providing an additional opportunity in our community to access art. We want to be a destination for people who enjoy spending time in gallery spaces.”

The new “gallery 505” is open Wed.-Fri: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., or by appointment.