“Build it and they will Come” was the philosophy artists and business partners Lance Kuehne and Jerrie Morago had in mind when they decided to open The Riverfront Art Gallery at 132 Petaluma Blvd N. in downtown Petaluma. Finding the right space was a challenge but when their current location became available, they jumped on it. Beating out several others for the space, they opened their doors September of 2007.
Lance and Jerrie are artists themselves so they built the gallery from an artist’s perspective creating a space that would showcase not only their work but would attract other artists to want to display works as well. The worn brick walls, hardwood floors, and dim light create perfect ambiance and an overall feel that art simply belongs in the building. Showing their work at art shows all over the Bay Area, they felt having just one spot would be more cost effective for artists. They began sharing that concept with fellow artists. That concept certainly has seamed to work. Since opening, the gallery has attracted artists from all over the North Bay and beyond. As a result the gallery has won “Best of North Bay” for “Best Art Gallery in Sonoma County” 6 years in a row(2008-2013), and “Petaluma’s People Choice” for “Best Art Gallery” 3 times. Not actually campaigning for the awards made them particularly proud moments for the partners.
Many galleries have come and gone over the years and the recession of 2008 and 2009 were particularly hard years. However, the Riverfront prevailed. When asked how the gallery made it through the hard times they reply; hard work, smart budgeting and an understanding landlord. When asked what contributes to the continued success they reply: running the gallery and managing it from an artist’s perspective, a prime location, but really, “It’s the artists and great artwork that keeps us open.”
Personally I agree. The level of art in the gallery is top notch. There is a continuous rotation of artists and new works. New showcases launch approximately every 2 months. The gallery hosts, painters, sculptors, photographers, and others. As a community, we are fortunate to not only have a tremendous amount of talented artists but a fantastic place to admire and purchase art. I look forward to to seeing who and what is on display next. Visit the gallery when you are downtown Petaluma. Say “Hi” to Jerrie or Lance, take in the atmosphere and enjoy the art. You just might find the perfect piece for your wall. The Riverfront Art Gallery is most definitely a P-Town Treasure.