Highland Galerie To Benefit North Highland Neighborhood

There's a new art gallery in town that's investing in local community development and artistic growth. Housed in the beautiful and newly renovated Mill District Studios, Highland Galerie is a space devoted to local artists and their work - and how they all can work together to revitalize our city for those in need.

Dee Dee Tebeau, Highland Galerie's owner, decided to open the space as a non-profit gallery in memory of her grandmother, the late Mary Passailaigue. Tebeau is thankful to be able to honor her grandmother with Highland Galerie - the full name of which is the Mary F. Passailaigue Highland Galerie and Community Center for Arts and Trade. "My grandmother was a well-known artist with a deep abiding love for the arts and our community," explained Tebeau. "I'm humbled to carry on her legacy in this way."

An interior designer with over 25 years of experience, Tebeau knows the importance of buyers being able to see art in person before making a selection. As owner at Highland Galerie, she will offer a constant flow of local artists' work and the ability for customers to try the art in their spaces at home before purchasing. "During my years as a designer, I realized that people are uncertain about how to incorporate art into their homes and businesses," she explained. "At Highland Galerie, we will assist people in the selection process and also offer services for design and in-home installation."

A beautiful landscape by Kate Waddell that will be featured in Highland's first show this week.

In addition to providing a free space for local artists to show and sell their work, Tebeau intends for Highland Galerie to play a key role in the revitalization of the Highland neighborhood. "I believe that art has a place in community development," said Tebeau. "I have decided to participate in the revitalization of the North Highland neighborhood in which the gallery resides. Though this neighborhood has suffered greatly since the closing of the mills year ago, there are many positive initiatives that our gallery profits will proudly support."

So how will it work?

Highland Gallerie will offer local artists free space to show and sell their art. The gallery will be open several days a week, and will host art shows throughout the year. Each artist will agree to a portion of their sales being donated directly back into the neighborhood's revitalization efforts. Gallery profits will support Truth Spring Academy, CSU's Friends of Art, the Highland Housing Initiative, and Mercy Med. In addition, the gallery will also help cover art supply costs for Bo Bartlett's "Home is Where the Art Is" program - a local initiative that provides art therapy for local homeless individuals and those in need.

Local artist Lulie Wallace has prepared a selection of Christmas Angels for Highland's Pop-Up Art Show.

Another way Highland Gallerie will contribute to the neighborhood revitalization efforts is by providing jobs to those seeking work. "We are launching an initiative to assist in the training of trade skills to help create jobs in this area," said Tebeau. "We are also planning to host art classes and sponsor costs for those who would not otherwise be able to afford them."

Though Highland Gallerie won't hold its official grand opening until January 2019, this week marks their first Pop-Up Art Show. The show will take place December 3-8 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily in the newly renovated Mill District Studios located at 3110 2nd Avenue.

Highland's Pop-Up Art Show will feature the following local artists and their work:

Lulie Wallace Kate Waddell Helen Brooks Gloria Mani Garry Pound Julianne David Miriam “Eve” Tidwell Katie Jacobson Marge Tilley Erin Gregory Olivia Blanchard Celia Solomon Jo Farris Mary Cain Mary Pat King Kate Scrivner Marina Dunbar