Stillwater Gallery expands into new downtown space
<p>Stillwater Gallery, an extension of Whitefish Pottery, opened last month on Central Avenue.</p>
Whitefish Pottery has expanded its gallery space to allow for an even larger showcase of its guest artists and additional retail space.
The Stillwater Gallery opened last month in the adjacent building formally home to Copperleaf Chocolat.
“Our old gallery was in the back of Whitefish Pottery,” owner Tom Gilfillan said. “We’ve been downtown for 17 years and it’s always been my dream to open a gallery here. When this building became available I jumped on it.”
Whitefish Pottery has been in business for 21 years since Gilfillan moved to Whitefish and moved his studio to Twin Bridges Road. The studio now fires five kilns a week and distributes products across the U.S.
The gallery has been remodeled with refurbished hardwood floors and natural light flooding into the open space. It’s the only wide-open gallery space in town, says Gilfillan.
“This really gives us a bigger presence,” he said. “It has worked out great.”
The featured artist currently on display for June is Tim Carlburg with his “The Greatest Growler Show In The West” showcasing his unique one-of-a-kind growlers designed for home brewers and microbrew aficionados.
Stillwater Gallery will rotate featured artists monthly, but the space is large enough to accommodate other artwork including prints, paintings, jewelry and ceramics by other artists.
“Rather than one artist filling the space, we have added in permanent art work,” Gilfillan said.
Next month, artist Walker Davis will fill the gallery with a display of piggy/animal banks.
Gilfillan is recovering from a ski accident, but says at some point he hopes to display his own work in the gallery.
The addition of the gallery, has also allowed for the expansion of the retail section inside Whitefish Pottery. There is an expanded pottery section and more artists on display. There are also new products including specialty food items such as garlic and Henry’s Catsup. There is also JaxHats and Goertzen Adventure Bags, both of Missoula.
“This has allowed us to bring in new items,” Gilfillan said. “Things that I’ve always been interested in adding and now we have the space for it.”
Whitefish Pottery and Stillwater Gallery are located at 240 Central Avenue. Contact them at 862-1417.