Sixth Street Gallery \ MOSAIC Arts Alliance
This was the Sixth Street Gallery's website when it was located at 105 W 6th St.
Content is from their 2006-2007 archived pages, offering a glimpse of what this gallery was doing in this time period. Additional content is from other outside sources.
UPDATES:
2020 Mosaic Arts Alliance of SW Washington Facebook
Sept 1 2020
Our Gallery 360 Grand Opening art exhibit starts today! This exhibit highlights the talent and diversity of our MAA members. Check it out!
Mosaic Arts Alliance of SW Washington
August 31, 220 Vancouver, WA ·
Tomorrow is the BIG day!! The Grand Opening of our online gallery, Gallery 360 opens tomorrow and runs through October. Are you ready for a virtual art experience? Support artists by visiting the gallery from the comfort of your own home, share with friends and purchase artwork!
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Marek Daly comments: I am and have been a fan of this gallery, showcase and spiritual home for so many artists. Like the late Dan Murphy, who left a comfortable practice in Louisiana - he was their best maritime lawyer - to retire and commit to art full time. He was always working on stuff even in LA, but when he got here, the quality of his work took off. People from his his former practice came up for the memorial service and they shared stories of his amazing geometric sculptures that graced the offices. His dedication to his art is inspiring, and his kindness and thoughtful nature will be missed. Rest in peace old Master Murphy.
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2019 Gallery 360 Facebook
Please visit the new Mosaic Arts Alliance of SW Washington Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MMAswWA/ so you can continue to follow the adventures of former Gallery 360 members and all the new artists who have joined the arts alliance! We are bigger and better than ever!.
2017
Citing rising rents, downtown art galleries closing
Priced-out gallery owners bemoan increases, lack of city support
By Scott Hewitt, Columbian Arts & Features Reporter
Published: November 10, 2017
This week, two different downtown Vancouver art galleries issued virtually identical statements about closing up shop: “Economic and other factors beyond the gallery’s control have made it necessary to leave.”
After two years occupying the lower level of the big Boomerang cafe and resale shop on Main Street, the gallery curated by abstract painter Tom Relth will move out. Relth will hold a final moving sale during this weekend’s Clark County Open Studios tour. “My dream was exposing Vancouver to all different kinds of art,” he said. “Creating some new patronage for art and for Boomerang.”
But business was never enough. Developer Ryan Hurley, who owns the Boomerang real estate, said by email that plans are still under wraps, but the gallery’s departure will “make way for a new concept we are rolling out at the first of the new year.”
A few blocks away, Gallery 360 will leave the historic Slocum House, in the southwest corner of Esther Short Park, at the end of this year — after a final “Deck the Halls” show and sale. While that won’t be the end of the nonprofit Mosaic Arts Alliance, which has leased and operated the space, it will be the first time since 2005 that Mosaic has no gallery and no base.
“Three 10 percent increases in rent in the last 2 1/2 years,” Mosaic’s Susan Williams said. “It’s taken all our reserves.”
Gallery attendance was great when doors opened three years ago, she said, but it’s steadily declined — even during monthly First Friday Art Walk events. Art lovers don’t seem willing to venture away from Main Street and across the park in the dark, she said.
That makes three major gallery departures from downtown Vancouver in one year. The seminal North Bank Artists Gallery, a cooperative and community-minded venue that lasted 14 years, was forced out by rising rent in May.
All of which makes John Turley, president of the Mosaic Arts Alliance, wonder: “Should we take down all the ‘Arts District’ signs?”
Both Mosaic and Relth say they’re looking for new gallery options and are eager for help. But North Bank pursued the same hunt for a long time and never did come up with a viable alternative.
The Slocum House is city of Vancouver property, and it used to house a theater company and then a wine-tasting room. But the master lease, now held by the Vancouver Farmers Market, includes a 10 percent rise every year; market master Jordan Boldt said he delayed passing those rises along to Gallery 360, and is looking forward to renegotiating the lease.
“Ten percent a year adds up, pretty quick,” Boldt said. The folks at Gallery 360 said they’re grateful for Boldt’s forbearance and “disappointed” in the city.
READ MORE AT: www.columbian.com/news/2017/nov/10/citing-rising-rents-downtown-vancouver-art-galleries-closing/
Circa 2006 -2007
Gallery 360 (formerly Sixth Street Gallery) is operated by Mosaic Arts Alliance Please visit the new Mosaic Arts Alliance of SW Washington Facebook page and "Like" us so you can continue to follow the adventures of former Gallery 360 members and all the new artists who have joined the arts alliance! We are bigger and better than ever!
Sixth Street Gallery \ MOSAIC Arts Alliance
105 W 6th St
Vancouver WA 98660 - United States of America
(360) 693-7340
Vancouver’s Sixth Street Gallery might go under
Artists co-op needs to raise $3,900 by Aug. 8 to stay open.
The Columbian Published: July 27, 2010 | /www.columbian.com
Patrons of Sixth Street Gallery peer through a window outside the gallery. The downtown Vancouver gallery will close at the end of August if it can't raise enough money to cover expenses.
Arts in flux
Sixth Street is far from the only arts organization to struggle since the recession. Gallery 21, the former artists co-op in downtown Vancouver, closed in April 2009 after 21 years, due to dwindling membership and sales. The Cupola Gallery in Old Town Battle Ground closed in April of this year for the same reasons.
Financial straits prompted the Vancouver Symphony to cancel its April concerts. The organization launched a Save the Music campaign and exceeded its fundraising goal of $20,000. This allowed the professional orchestra to put on its May concerts and begin planning for the next season.
The Camas Performing Arts Series, which just completed its 25th season, also is struggling. It was announced in May that the series will take the 2011-2012 season off. Declining volunteers, ticket sales and sponsors prompted the hiatus.
But even as some arts organizations are shuttering, others are springing up to fill the void. Eight new galleries have cropped up in downtown Vancouver since last summer. One of them, Niche Wine & Art, moved into the space Gallery 21 used to occupy on Main Street.
Sixth Street Gallery hopes it won’t be added to the list of felled arts organizations. The gallery is asking for people to make tax-deductible donations to Mosaic Arts Alliance, buy art at the gallery, become a dues-paying artist member or art supporter, and attend special events such as the upcoming Art in the Heart festival, a screening of the documentary “Who Does She Think She Is?” and a benefit fashion show.
If everyone gives a little, Sixth Street may not be another casualty of the recession, according to MacKenzie.
“We desperately want to stay open,” she said, “but we need some outside help.”
But if that interest doesn’t start translating into dollars soon, there won’t be a Sixth Street Gallery, said MacKenzie, a co-op member and president of Mosaic Arts Alliance, the gallery’s nonprofit parent organization.
Sixth Street Gallery, which would celebrate its sixth anniversary in December, will close Aug. 31 if it can’t raise $3,900 by Aug. 8. The gallery, at 105 W. Sixth St., is struggling to cover rent and other expenses in the face of declining sales, class registrations and donations over the past year.
“We’ve been struggling for months, and it’s just at the point where we’ve got to make it or break it,” MacKenzie said.
The gallery needed to raise $5,000 to remain operational. So far, it has received a $1,100 donation from a member, but $3,900 remains.
That money would cover rent and bills for at least three months, and would buy the co-op’s 19 members time to pursue corporate partnerships, private donations and increased artist participation in juried shows, MacKenzie said.
Sixth Street Gallery gets new home, name
By Mary Ann Albright
Published: September 18, 2010 | /www.columbian.com
Sam MacKenzie, president of Mosaic Arts Alliance, Sixth Street Gallery's nonprofit parent organization.
Sixth Street Gallery is getting a new home and a new name.
The downtown Vancouver gallery, hubbed at 105 W. Sixth St. for the past five years, is moving a few blocks north to 111 W. Ninth St.
o Previously: Co-op members at Sixth Street Gallery in downtown Vancouver announced in July that they needed to raise $5,000 by Aug. 8 to keep the gallery afloat. They succeeded in raising about $4,100, but it wasn’t enough to stay in their current location at 105 W. Sixth St
Earlier this month, members were close to finalizing a lease on an approximately 1,300-square-foot space at 109 W. Ninth St., and were contemplating changing the gallery’s name to Gallery 360. They hoped to open on Oct. 1.
o What’s new: Paperwork has been filed with the state to change Sixth Street’s name to Gallery 360. Gallery members have signed a two-year lease on an approximately 2,000-square-foot space at 111 W. Ninth St., Vancouver.
o What’s next: Sixth Street will be open at its present location through Sept. 26. Members hope to celebrate Gallery 360’s grand opening on Nov. 5 for First Friday Art Walk.
Since it will no longer be located on Sixth Street, members of the co-op filed paperwork with the state to change their name to Gallery 360.
It’s a cost-cutting move for the gallery, which has been struggling financially due to dwindling sales, class registrations and donations.
In 2009, Sixth Street Gallery had net income of $2,340. But from January through August of this year, the gallery was $2,226 in the red, according to financial statements provided by Sam MacKenzie, president of Mosaic Arts Alliance, the gallery’s nonprofit parent organization.
Rent at the new space will be about two-thirds the cost of the Sixth Street space, said Jamie Lutz Carroll, vice president of Mosaic.
The gallery finalized a two-year lease on the approximately 2,000-square-foot-space on Wednesday. It’s about the same size as the Sixth Street space.
At first, members considered leasing a smaller space at 109 W. Ninth St., the back room of a former bar. They opted ultimately to lease both that space and the adjacent storefront at 111 W. Ninth St., which used to be a barber shop.
Both spaces are part of the historic Ludesher building, recently purchased by Portlanders Jeff Arthur, Don Mutal and Aaron Jones. The landlords are pleased with their new tenants.
“We’re just excited about seeing a great gallery move into that space,” Arthur said.
Gallery members are optimistic about the move, as well.
“We’re very excited, though it’s a little daunting,” Carroll said. “There’s a lot of work that needs to go into it. It’s pretty rough right now.”
Gallery members will knock down the wall separating the two spaces to create one bigger area with room for art displays and classroom instruction. They also have a lot of cleaning and painting to do, and need to install lighting and a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, Carroll said.
The gallery will remain open at its current location on Sixth Street through Sept. 26. Members had hoped to have the new gallery open to the public on Oct. 1, but that date has now been pushed back to Nov. 5. However, members plan to have art on display in the windows of the new gallery for October’s First Friday Art Walk.
The name change reflects Southwest Washington’s area code but has a more abstract meaning, as well.
“Three-hundred and sixty degrees is a full turnaround,” Carroll said. “That’s kind of how we look at this move, since our other option was closing.”
The SIXTH STREET GALLERY was owned and operated by MOSAIC Arts Alliance. One of their goals was to bring artists and galleries together to create an amazing art attraction. Another was to promote artists in a positive environment and to provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talents. The gallery collected a smaller than average commission allowing artists more return on their work. Artists were juried into the Gallery and shown year round. Each month a different member was featured to compliment our visiting artist or group shows. The Sixth Street Galleryalso dedicated half of the gallery for individual artist and for group shows. These shows were open to any artist.
June 2007
Sam MacKenzie: photography, film, & ceramics
May 30 - July 1, 2007
Artist Reception: June 1, 5:00-9:00pm
Also showing: Trans[-]Queer: a show about gender
From Straw to Gold Straw Art made by Ukrainian Children
Call To Artists
National Juried Fiber Arts Show
Exhibition Dates: August 1 - August 26
Artist Reception: August 3, 5:00-9:00pm
Deadline for Submissions: July 11, 2007
Shannon Miranda
The passages in a life. Secrets. What we hold dear. Our dreams. Each of us has a story: a paradoxical blending of brightness and shadow, comedy and tragedy, and the brushstrokes of each within our life. I explore this paradox in my work, creating each piece to capture the imperfect yet somehow transcendent characteristic of being human. I design my pieces to resonate with the spirit of life, to bring absolute joy to the wearer. Nothing is perfectly precise-the work is organic, hand-formed, ancient-looking.
I grew up in the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico, amidst the confluence of three different cultures. My creations come from a deep well of images from this past, as well as images and memories I've collected on my travels around the globe. Some of the symbols I use are things that haunt me, such as the Milagros pinned on saints in hope of miracles, or the intricate, loopy curves of Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona. The archway of an adobe door. The weathering of wood, and faces, from sun. Dancing, anywhere. Through my work, I wish to reconnect each of us with our rich and varied histories, so that we better understand and appreciate the intricate web that ties us one to another. It is only by understanding our own human truth that we begin to see the real beauty in the world.
Most of my pieces are custom, one-of-a-kind or limited editions, and I work primarily in sterling, fine silver, and high-karat gold. One of my favorite processes entails the use of silver metal clay. I find that it allows me the creative freedom to sculpt and form directly with my hands, and I enjoy the visceral personality of the medium. After firing, my creation becomes solid silver or 22K gold, and I then use traditional metal smithing fabrication techniques to further sculpt and form the metal, until I am happy that my creation has its life and is ready to venture forth into the world.
I will do custom work for weddings, anniversaries, and other special events. If a ring is desired in a different size than what might immediately be available, I will create a new ring in the desired size. Likewise, if a different length of necklace or bracelet is needed, I will make the necessary adjustment. If additional material must be used to accommodate these requests, there will be a corresponding charge. I guarantee the buyer's satisfaction with my work. I do not offer refunds, but will offer credit, exchange, or repair.
March 2006
March 2006
NCECA 2006 SHOW
"Stability in Transition"
and
Deirdre Dew
March 8th - 26th
Artist reception March 10th
Music by Vancouver Madrigal Singers
Featured Gallery Artists
June 2006
DaBat
The abstract work of DaBat is difficult to confine to a span of calendar time. Some of the paintings emerged in a single session, others through a series of takes and remakes. I really prefer that my work be experienced rather than explained which is one of the reasons why most of the titles of the paintings evoke a feeling rather than telling you what to see. I always listen to music during the process, channeling the energy, the vibe, the surreal feel onto the canvas. In other words, giving the audio sounds the power to voice their colors. The influences within my work include; love, rage, randomness, Buddism, the need for non-conformity, the dream of a different reality. Maybe it's Jesus, maybe it's jazz. One of my goals is to show the viewer that within the Darkside of Light, there is always hope. DaBat 2005
More Background on Sixth Street Gallery
Sixth Street Gallery, once a prominent fixture in downtown Vancouver, Washington, was known for its vibrant exhibitions, community-driven mission, and lasting influence on the region’s cultural landscape. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the gallery’s history, programming, critical reception, audience, and significance-drawing from independent press coverage, artist testimonials, and public commentary.
Origins and Mission
Sixth Street Gallery was founded in 2004 at 105 W. Sixth Street in Vancouver, Washington. It operated as a cooperative under the umbrella of the nonprofit Mosaic Arts Alliance. The gallery’s mission was to provide a supportive venue for both emerging and established artists, foster collaboration, and enrich the local community through visual arts. By offering artists a lower-than-average commission structure and a democratic, member-driven approach to curation, the gallery quickly became a hub for creativity and artistic expression in Southwest Washington.
Programming and Exhibitions
Diverse and Inclusive Shows
Sixth Street Gallery was known for its eclectic and inclusive programming. Monthly exhibitions featured both member artists and guest contributors, with regular calls for submissions that welcomed a wide range of media and styles. Notable exhibitions included national juried fiber arts shows, themed group exhibitions exploring topics such as gender and identity, and solo shows by local talents. The gallery often paired featured artists with group shows, ensuring a dynamic rotation of work and perspectives.
Community Engagement and Education
In addition to exhibitions, the gallery offered workshops, artist talks, and special events designed to engage the broader public. It participated in citywide initiatives like the First Friday Art Walk, which brought visitors downtown to experience art in a festive, accessible atmosphere. The gallery also hosted fundraising events, film screenings, and collaborative projects with other local organizations, strengthening its role as a community anchor.
Financial Challenges and Transformation
Struggles During Economic Downturn
Like many small arts organizations, Sixth Street Gallery faced significant financial challenges, particularly during and after the 2008 recession. Declining art sales, reduced class registrations, and fewer donations strained the gallery’s budget. In 2010, the gallery launched a public fundraising campaign, seeking to raise $3,900 by August 8 to remain open. Although the campaign garnered community support and raised a substantial portion of the needed funds, it ultimately fell short of securing the gallery’s original location.
Relocation and Rebranding
In September 2010, Sixth Street Gallery relocated a few blocks north to 111 W. Ninth Street and rebranded as Gallery 360. This move was motivated by the need to reduce overhead costs and adapt to changing economic realities. The new space, located in the historic Ludesher building, offered similar square footage at a lower rent. The gallery’s leadership saw the transition as a “full turnaround”-a chance to reimagine the organization while maintaining its core values and mission.
Critical Reception and Community Impact
Reviews and Public Response
Sixth Street Gallery received positive attention from both the press and the public. Coverage in local newspapers such as The Columbian highlighted the gallery’s role as an essential venue for artists and art lovers in Vancouver. Community members frequently praised the gallery for its welcoming atmosphere, diverse programming, and commitment to supporting local talent. Artist testimonials often cited the gallery as a vital stepping stone in their careers, providing opportunities for exhibition and professional growth.
Cultural and Social Significance
The gallery’s cooperative model fostered a sense of ownership and camaraderie among its members. By lowering barriers to participation and encouraging a wide range of artistic voices, Sixth Street Gallery contributed to a more inclusive and dynamic arts ecosystem in Vancouver. Its presence helped anchor the downtown arts district, attracting visitors and boosting the visibility of the city’s creative community.
Programming Highlights and Notable Exhibitions
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National Juried Fiber Arts Show: Attracted artists from across the country, elevating the gallery’s profile and offering local audiences exposure to new techniques and perspectives.
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Trans[-]Queer: A Show About Gender: Tackled contemporary social issues, demonstrating the gallery’s willingness to engage with challenging and timely topics.
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Solo and Group Shows: Regularly featured the work of both established and emerging artists, including photographers, ceramicists, painters, and jewelers, ensuring a broad representation of media and styles.
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Community Events: Hosted receptions, artist talks, and collaborative projects with other organizations, further embedding the gallery in the local cultural fabric.
Audience and Community Engagement
Sixth Street Gallery served a diverse audience, including artists, collectors, students, and casual visitors. Its accessible downtown location made it a popular stop during monthly art walks and city festivals. The gallery’s educational programming-workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities-attracted participants of all ages and skill levels, fostering a sense of community and lifelong learning.
Press and Media Coverage
Local media consistently covered the gallery’s activities, fundraising efforts, and eventual relocation. Articles in The Columbian chronicled the gallery’s financial struggles, community support, and transition to Gallery 360. The press often emphasized the broader challenges facing arts organizations in the region, using Sixth Street Gallery as a case study in resilience and adaptation.
Challenges and Closure
Economic Pressures and Rising Rents
Sixth Street Gallery’s story reflects the broader difficulties faced by small arts organizations in the wake of economic downturns and rising urban rents. Despite strong community support and creative fundraising efforts, the gallery ultimately could not sustain its original location. The move to Gallery 360 represented both an end and a new beginning, as the organization sought to adapt to changing circumstances while preserving its mission.
Broader Context
The gallery’s challenges were not unique. Other local venues, such as Gallery 21 and North Bank Artists Gallery, faced similar pressures, leading to closures and relocations. These developments sparked public debate about the sustainability of the arts in Vancouver and the need for greater support from city officials and the broader community.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Although Sixth Street Gallery no longer operates under its original name or at its original location, its legacy endures. The Mosaic Arts Alliance, which managed the gallery, continues to support artists and organize exhibitions in the region. Many former members and exhibiting artists remain active in the local arts scene, contributing to Vancouver’s ongoing cultural vitality.
The gallery’s cooperative model, emphasis on inclusivity, and commitment to community engagement have inspired other organizations and set a standard for artist-run spaces in the area. Its history serves as a reminder of the importance of grassroots initiatives in sustaining vibrant, accessible arts communities.
Sixth Street Gallery played a pivotal role in shaping Vancouver’s cultural landscape. Through its innovative programming, community-driven mission, and resilience in the face of adversity, the gallery left an indelible mark on the region’s arts ecosystem. Its story is one of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring power of the arts to bring people together-even in challenging times.
