Local artists in Conroe have a new place to display their artwork! In honoring a well-known art teacher and friend from Montgomery County, Joe and Jean Fleshner have opened the Linda Watson Art Gallery. Located at 204 N. Main St in Conroe, the gallery will feature local artists' works. Their mission is to make the art gallery a place for the community's "many talented artists ... to show, sell and teach," according to Joe Fleshner.

"Any artist can show here, any school group can show here," Fleshner said. "There are a lot of good artists around here."

The new gallery will give an open feel, and less cluttered than Fleshner's previous gallery 10 years ago. "We'll keep this almost museum-like," he said. "I don’t want a lot of clutter."

A room in the back even offers space for teaching. It will highlight a variety of work ranging from sculptures, to landscapes, still life, fabric art and more.

Currently the gallery is award winning works from the Conroe Art League's recent show. More artists are encouraged to bring their works here, as there is no charge. "We charge no space and we take no commission," Fleshner said. "This is not a money-making proposition for me."

Fleshner plans on setting up special events to create buzz for the art gallery. Currently it is open from 11 am to 7 pm on Monday through Friday, and plans to open it from 7 am to noon on Saturdays soon.

"We'll be open Saturday mornings for special events 52 weeks a year," he said. "If we're successful, we'll have 200 to 300 people here on Saturday mornings."

Although the Linda Watson Art Gallery is open now, an opening gala is planned for 5 pm on October 30th, along with the Bella Sorella performance at Crighton Theatre. Art will be on display for visitors along with food and wine. Admission is free, as will all events be, according to Fleshner.

"We don’t charge admission," Fleshner said, "but we do encourage checkbooks."

Source: The Courier of Montgomery County