The walls inside this gallery and headquarters are alive with art, the culmination of the Wayne County Arts Alliance's (WCAA) efforts to make these works more accessible to more people.

"This is a destination for people to come see art that will change every couple of weeks or couple of months with different exhibits. We do have a vast array of artists who live here," said Executive Director Janet Gaglione.

Whether it is a sculpture or an oil on canvas, the visual arts and local artists are well represented within the walls. Jay Hostetler is helping to curate the space which is a former frame gallery turned art gallery.

"That's something we've wanted to focus on, a light and bright gallery where we can show the local artists' work with new lights, sheet rock and sanded floors, it's light and bright," said Hostetler.

In 2023, the WCAA marks two decades of promoting art, celebrating and sharing art too. Every July, artists open their home studios to the public for a weekend of tours which has been happening these past 20 years. And the WCAA does so much more all throughout the year.

"The Great Wall of Honesdale is in its 8th year the new installation just went up in June. Stays for an entire year, changes out. 12 reproductions printed on billboard vinyl, stays colorful and vibrant all year round," added Gaglione.

Projects and events are still a mainstay of the Arts Alliance's mission in Wayne County and now, with this added permanent home, yet another way to feature local art on two floors in rotating exhibits.

"We have 6 shows per year, each show has a theme," said Hostetler. "To show art can be on the floor, art can be on the ceilings, there's conceptual art that surprises people something they would see in a gallery. Not always something hung on the wall, water color or oil painting."

This art gallery and headquarters is a labor of love in its own right. The WCAA crowdfunded the purchase and enlisted volunteers to bring it up to modern standards.

"The only way this has been possible is through donations and matching grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation, individuals, families, organizations, groups, over 190 different people," said Gaglione. "Now we've installed dry wall, refurbished floors, we've got a nifty neon sign outside. Totally redid bathroom, ramps for access. It is important that art is accessible to everyone."

The gallery is open Thursday-Sunday right in the heart of Honesdale year round, just one more reason to visit the downtown during festivals and other events and be introduced to the latest art and artists on display.

"It's been a huge endeavor, with great community support, so excited to have it open, and now have regular hours," added Gaglione.

"Every city needs a nice gallery. It showcases the talent in the area. It's a different place to come and enjoy the visual arts," said Hostetler.

To learn more go to WayneCountyArtsAlliance.org or follow the WCAA on Facebook and Instagram.