The Creator’s Gallery and Boutique, a cornerstone of the local art scene, is launching a $10,000 fundraiser to cover expenses in preparation for reopening its doors just in time for the holiday season. This beloved center, which has fostered countless local artists, is poised for a new chapter in its history as it continues to serve as a creative hub in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Founded in Jacksonville, Oregon, in 2009 by local artist Anna M. Chauffe, The Creator’s Gallery and Boutique began with just 17 artists and fine crafters. However, within a year, its popularity skyrocketed, prompting a move to a larger building to accommodate its growing roster of artists. By the time the gallery relocated to the Rogue Valley, it had expanded to three storefronts, showcasing the work of hundreds of local talents. Unfortunately, like many small businesses, the gallery faced tough decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to its move to Grants Pass.
Despite these challenges, the gallery’s mission remains unchanged: to provide a platform for local artists and creators to share their work with the community. Over the years, Chauffe has focused on building bridges rather than walls, fostering collaboration with other galleries and art organizations in the region. This approach has drawn collectors and art enthusiasts to Southern Oregon, enhancing the area’s reputation as a thriving cultural hub, similar to Ashland’s well-known art scene.
Chauffe is committed to expanding the gallery’s reach by offering more opportunities for creative expression, with an emphasis on art classes, workshops, and collaborative spaces. “We want to create a space where creativity can flourish and where artists of all backgrounds and skill levels feel welcome,” says Chauffe.
Born and raised in the Rogue Valley, Chauffe has deep roots in the local art community. She is a member of the Southern Oregon Society of Artists (SOSA), a group that has nurtured fine artists for decades. As an award-winning artist herself, Chauffe is dedicated to building an art center that is inclusive and accessible to all. Her vision for the gallery’s future includes forming a cooperative led by a core committee of five members who will guide the gallery’s growth and ensure that the voices of the community are heard.
Chauffe emphasizes that this new phase of The Creator’s Gallery will be a space for artists of all ages and backgrounds. “For those who have been waiting for an opportunity to showcase their work or who want a venue beyond the summer markets, this is your chance to be part of something special,” Chauffe adds. The gallery will operate on a membership-based model, with monthly fees for artists who wish to display their work year-round. Featured artists will also have the opportunity to host their own exhibitions, providing a spotlight for local talent.
In keeping with the gallery’s commitment to supporting local artists, Chauffe has made it clear that only locally made works will be accepted—no mass-produced imports. “If it’s locally made, we want it here,” she says, underscoring the gallery’s dedication to authenticity and community.
As The Creator’s Gallery prepares for its reopening, Chauffe is calling on the community to support the fundraiser and help bring this vision to life. “This is a place where creativity, collaboration, and community come together. We’re excited to see what the future holds,” she says.
With your support, The Creator’s Gallery and Boutique will continue to be a vibrant center for artistic expression in Southern Oregon, offering artists and enthusiasts a place to connect, create, and celebrate the beauty of local art.
