Waterfront Gallery: here to stay

Talk about it

Last month the News-Chronicle reported that the Waterfront Gallery on First Street would close on April 14. But Waterfront Gallery owner Val Doherty has some news: It’s here to stay.

After going through the closing process over the last few weeks, Doherty decided to keep the gallery open and buy out business partner John Gregor’s share. “It just made sense,” she said.

Doherty said Waterfront Gallery will not change significantly. She said the artists who know about her decision are thrilled.

“I want to keep the focus local as much as possible,” she said. “There’s so much talent here.”

Local glass artist Mike Tonder said he thinks it’s great the gallery is staying open.

“I think it’s important to have a local venue to show at, and I think it’s a good location, good people and a good-looking gallery,” he said.

Tonder said the gallery’s location works out well for people interested in buying his work.

“We have had people from the Cities traveling through, looking to see either Jody’s [Freij-Tonder] or my work, and having a place right in Two Harbors where they can check it out is convenient for them and us,” he said.

John Gregor said he supports Doherty’s decision. “I’m very happy that Val is keeping the gallery going,” he said. “I certainly wish her the best and I hope she has all the success.”

Doherty and Gregor plan to continue collaborating. Last year they worked together on the photography for the North Shore’s 2012 Minnesota’s Own calendar, and they have collaborated on other projects.

After a deep cleaning and finishing up the paperwork, Doherty said, she hopes to reopen the Waterfront Gallery on Memorial Day weekend. She plans the first show for later in June, featuring photography she shot around Lake Superior’s Circle Route.

Although Doherty is originally from Duluth, she now counts Two Harbors as home. She said she will balance work from the gallery with spending time with her family and personal projects.

“I’m really excited,” Doherty said. “More by the day.”

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