The Belmont Gallery of Art is pleased to announce expanded hours of operation, including Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, making it now more convenient for people to come see the exhibits on display. New hours of operation effective September 10 are: Thursday, 10-4, Friday, 10-4 and 6-9 pm, and Sunday 1-4 pm. The Gallery will no longer be open on Tuesdays.
Gallery administrator Nan Rogers said the Belmont Gallery of Art (BGA) committee knew there was a need to accommodate more visitors outside of the three day a week business hours under which the space had been operating. "It has been a goal of the BGA committee over the past several years to be able to offer evening and week-end hours of operation on a regular basis, making the Gallery accessible to greater numbers. "There's been a growing need over the last year to expand hours, as more people have discovered the Gallery and it really culminated with the numbers we had attending the "Behind the Mask" show earlier this spring," says Rogers. "The new hours will make it easier for those visitors who've wanted to visit the Gallery, but have been unable to get there during our previously very restricted hours," Rogers states.
"Judging by numbers from the first two week-ends of expanded hours; over 120 visitors during each Friday evening and Sunday 3-hour period, there is an audience awaiting this change," she adds.
The Belmont Gallery of Art, located on the third floor of the Homer Municipal Building, has a unique arrangement with the town where town departments, including community development, use the space for monthly meetings, allowing employees to work in an aesthetically pleasing environment. Rogers notes that town administrator Tom Younger and manager of building services Kevin Looney have both been very supportive of the gallery, realizing what an asset it is to the community. There are no town funds used to run the Gallery. It is self-supporting through tax-deductible donations and commissions from the sale of the artwork.
The Belmont Gallery of Art regularly partners with other local organizations including the local schools, the Library, the Belmont Historical Society and the Garden Club to present exhibits that enrich the lives of residents and the community. Since opening its doors in 2005, the Gallery has presented the work of over 125 artists and hosted thousands of visitors. The BGA always welcomes volunteers interested in gallery sitting. Contact Gallery Administrator Nan Rogers at admin@belmontgallery.org for more information.