Asheville’s longest established gallery will move to 82 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville in February 2016.

While it’s almost directly across the street from their old location at 16 College Street, the move is a big step for the now 28-member co-operative of local artists. Founded in 1988, the gallery will expand to 30 members for the move. The new gallery space will have more room, high ceilings, and increased lighting. But the quality of art presented will remain at the same high level for which AGA has always been known.

After 27 years at 16 College Street, the prospect of a move seemed, at first, almost impossible. However, the strength of the co-op model and the determination of the membership prevailed. Each gallery member is considered a co-owner. They not only display work at the gallery but also help take care of all responsibilities and duties of running the business.

A dedicated group of members spent innumerable hours looking for a new location and negotiating the fine points needed for the move. With full vote of the membership, the gallery signed the lease for the new space and hopes to be fully moved into their new home by February 2016.

Sandi Anton, current AGA president, says, “The success of our gallery lies in our members who not only have a passion for making great art but a commitment to marketing and selling to a discriminating public. We attribute the gallery’s longevity, unique to Asheville, to our proven business practices that encourage change and growth.”

For more information about the gallery, call (828) 251-5796 or visit ashevillegallery-of-art.com