The David Ryan Gallery in Old Orcutt, one of the few remaining art galleries in the Santa Maria area, is set to hang its last piece of art. The gallery will close by the end of December.
The decision wasn’t an easy one for owners Ron and Terri Thatcher. The gallery was never about making a profit as much as it was about exposing the area to a variety of artists. The gallery introduced its featured artists at monthly art and wine parties, shared local wines, and brought art lovers and artists together to mingle. That’s one of the things Ron will miss the most.
“We’ve made so many friends through the gallery, it’s going to be sad not to see them as often, and we’re going to miss working with the artists,” he said.
Terri echoed those sentiments, recalling one of her most memorable experiences as selling two paintings to rocker Joe Cocker and his wife, Pam.
“I will miss working with all the great people who have supported our gallery, as well as the good relationships we have developed with our artists,” she said.
Ron explained that recent health problems forced him to re-examine some of his obligations, and the gallery was a big one. Though it was a difficult decision, the Thatchers believe it’s for the best.
After cultivating an interest in art for more than 25 years, the Thatchers decided a few years ago it was time to take their love for it to another level while sharing their passion with the community. They opened the gallery in August 2001.
“We felt the Santa Maria Valley was at the point where it was ready for a high-quality gallery,” Ron said.
The space routinely exhibited works from more than 40 artists and sculptors, featuring pieces from around the Central Coast, as well as works by recognized artists from throughout the United States, Italy, Peru, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Germany, and France. The gallery also exhibited a large display of bronze and Shona sculpture, pottery, blown glass, and unique jewelry.
Local artist Robert Burridge remembered first hearing about plans for the gallery before it opened.
“When he initially came out with the idea to open up a gallery, I thought he was a brave soul and pretty insightful,” Burridge said.
Thatcher admitted that taking on the challenge of starting a gallery was a Herculean task.
“We had no training in art academics and no gallery experience,” he said. “It was a bold move.”
At the same time, the endeavor was an enjoyable one. Ron remembers taking the building, which was old and in need of some renovating, and turning it into 2,5000 square feet of gallery space with an inviting layout and proper lighting.
“We took that old building and renovated it and made it into an outstanding gallery,” Ron said.
His pursuit of art, however, often took him out of the renovated space and across the country.
The Thatchers traveled to significant shows each year to find new talent and art for the gallery. They would visit the Western Museum and attend the annual California Gift Show in Los Angeles and Oasis Show in Phoenix. One of the largest jewelry shows in the country, the JCK Show in Las Vegas, was a regular stop for them. They traveled extensively, keeping an eye out for anything that would fit the eclectic mix on display in their gallery.
Burridge would often run into the Thatchers on their trips.
“I’d see [Ron] and his wonderful wife not only in our area, but in L.A. and other cosmopolitan areas and at the airport heading to art shows,” the artist said. “He certainly did a lot of research.”
But more than anything, the Thatchers’ commitment to the arts will be sorely missed.
“I appreciate his support and his investment in our community,” Burridge said. “I’m sad to see him go. He was a fabulous supporter of the artists in this community.”
When it closes, David Ryan Gallery will be the second art gallery in the area to shut its doors this year. The Town Center Gallery closed its location in the Town Center Mall when it was evicted from its space to accommodate mall renovations.
Beth Ostapiuk, president of the board of directors of the Town Center Gallery, said that she enjoyed the David Ryan Gallery art and wine parties and had hoped to display some of her Ukrainian eggs there in the spring.
“I think it’s a sad thing we’re losing our only art gallery, especially with so many wonderful artists in town and in the community,” Ostapiuk said.
The Town Center Gallery is currently exhibiting work at various locations, including, most recently, the Good Neighbor Bakery. Ostapiuk said the Town Center Gallery will continue to exhibit monthly at the bakery for the time being.
“I hope with all the rebuilding going on in the area, somebody will come up and care enough about getting art back out there,” she said.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone wants to hear your ideas about art in the community. E-mail her at [email protected].
