By David Stenklyft
Wausau Pilot and Review
The 319 Gallery, a Wausau volunteer-run outlet for local artists, is now the home for artists at the former Talent Shop, offering many area seniors an outlet for their handcrafted works.
Resident artist and director June Zentner said the enterprise began as a gallery, then added a bistro. Now, the gallery and bistro are two separate entities. The gallery, at 319 Fourth St., Suite 1, is nonprofit, Zentner said.
The Talent Shop was a fixture in the Wausau area for 30 years, but recently lost its home at Goodwill in Rib Mountain. Now, seniors have a permanent space to showcase their work at The 319 Gallery.
“We think promoting the Talent Shop not only helps us as a gallery, but it is such a great way to promote such talented, local artists,” Zentner said.
Zentner also teamed up with two students from Northcentral Technical College, Meghan Weber and Melissa Decker, to add new signage to the gallery. Together with their instructor, Andy Somers, the students worked to spice up the outdoor decor and help guide visitors through the five gallery rooms and lead them into the attached bistro.
“We thought we needed a little new art to advertise this gallery,” Zentner said. “We were so appreciative of the work they did.”
Plans are underway for future classes at the gallery. For example, a local senior artist will offer a class on chair caning.
“Where else can you find that?” Zentner said.
Learn more about The 319 Gallery on Facebook.
