White Ripple Gallery & Co. in downtown Hessville has made a splash in the community and recently celebrated its many accomplishments at a first anniversary celebration.
“The goal [of my business] was to bring a strong creative and rejuvenating presence to the Hessville area and to invigorate the neighborhood by offering a big-city experience closer to home,” owner Joycelyn Prue said. “Our goal moving forward is to take our newfound stature as a focal point for change in the community and revitalize Hessville in order to restore it to its former glory.”
Prue offers first-class gallery space with new exhibits displayed monthly, three artists-in-residence, and a long list of events involving the community. She descries the new business as an art center and retail outlet for fine artists, artisan businesses and handmade items all located under one roof.
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During the recent birthday party, many activities were on tap.
The newest exhibit in the gallery, Rail Relics of the Region by artist Thomas Hagen, was the first stop for many as they entered.
“It’s my first time here and I’m impressed,” said Keri Kingston-Smith of Hammond, as she perused the paintings. “I’m seeing more and more that we have this wonderful art presence in Northwest Indiana. This gallery is a hidden gem.”
The gallery’s mission is to not only bring an art presence of accomplished artists but to focus on new ones as well.
The Burgundy Closet Gift Shop and Resale Store on the first floor also was open during the celebration.
“What a great variety of things to do in this gallery,” said Linda Ormand of Munster. “I’d heard about this new business and wanted to see for myself. We usually have to go to Chicago or other Illinois venues to see something like this.”
On the second floor of the four-level building, which used to house Vierk’s Furniture, in-residence studio artists Shari Lemonnier, Linda Los-Rathburn and Dawn Diamantopoulos gave working demonstrations to visitors.
The third floor of the building offers a large entertainment venue with a brightly polished wooden floor and large chandeliers.
“It’s hard to believe what they’ve done with this building,” former Hessville resident Harold Parker said as he enjoyed tunes played by the White Ripple Band in this area. “I’ll be sure to return here and let others know of this great place.”
The fourth floor of the building is yet to be renovated, but plans call for its completion in the near future.
Prue opened White Ripple Gallery & Co. last fall with the vision of revitalizing the downtown area, which she continues to work on.
She helped to resurrect the Hessville Business Association, now known as Hessville Commerce and Community Creative (HC3), by becoming the president.
One possible upcoming venture for HC3 is rebooting the former annual outdoor Cultural Festival, traditionally held each year near Morton High School. The now-defunct celebration welcomed thousands of visitors during its heyday, which lasted almost 30 years and ended almost 10 years ago.
Prue also has gathered business owners together to promote the downtown Hessville area with such events as Live in the Ville, with entertainment and tours of the businesses, and Second Saturdays, an opportunity to view what’s going on in the ever-changing gallery.
“We offer a dedicated art gallery, showing experienced contemporary artists from Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, an antique store/gift shop, several in-residence artists’ studios, a music school, an upholsterer, and lots of raw and finished space for artistic people and businesses to grow into,” she said. “We also hope to expand our art class offerings and music events, as well as build stronger connections with the community.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 to 10 p.m. every second Saturday of the month
If you go
White Ripple Gallery & Co.
6725 Kennedy Ave., Hammond
219-803-2690
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