The first annual Gallery Open House will be held at the ARTS Collective of the Driftless on Sunday, Dec. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Gays Mills Mercantile Center.  The event, complete with cookies and decorations, will introduce new artists and their work—as well as offer special items for the holidays made by collective’s members.

For this special event, the Gallery has opened the ‘Annex,’ located nearby in the Mercantile Center. It will feature live entertainment and the work of new artists, and craftspeople. Gays Mills Farmers Market vendors will also be on hand with a special offering of produce.

Santa will visit the Gallery sometime during the afternoon and the Gays Mills Christmas carolers will also visit. Join the carolers singing in the gallery and then join them as they spread goodwill throughout the Mercantile District with an old-fashioned neighborhood serenade.

The ARTS Collective opened its doors on Friday, Sept. 28 as an exhibition center showcasing the work of artists and craftsmen living and working in the Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin. ‘Driftless’ is a geologic term that refers to the land area left untouched by the great Wisconsin Glacier and includes Southeast Minnesota, Northeast Iowa and Northwest Illinois. Our goal is to extend membership in the collective to artists throughout this area.

At present, the ARTS Collective showcases the works of 14 area artists whose work spans the creative bridge from painting in several media and disciplines to wood carving, creative furniture, metal work and fine crafts. One of the collective’s missions is to provide an exhibition space and gallery for excellence in the arts, crafts and design. Their work is presented for appreciation, enjoyment and sale to the larger community and visitors to the area. The Gallery serves as a dynamic hub for artists from all disciplines to exchange ideas, find support and work collaboratively.

The ARTS Collective will also be developing programs that will support the participation of all individuals interested in the arts, programs that can become the tools to develop a creative and connected community. For more information on the ARTS Collective of the Driftless, please join us on Sunday, Dec. 9 or visit during our open hours Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or contact them by telephone at 608-735-4321.