Greg and Diane Gerot discovered Pierce years ago on a backcountry fly-fishing jaunt.
When they retired from careers in Eugene, Ore., the remote mountain town called them back. They opened an art gallery on Main Street. Greg Gerot, a former Edward Jones financial adviser, devoted himself to framing while Diane focused on her art. When the couple learned local high-schoolers didn’t have a dedicated art program at school they decided to do something about it.
Over the last decade the Gerots have provided local teens the opportunity to create works for an annual show at Studio 205 Gallery & Frame Making.
“We wanted to encourage kids,” said Diane Gerot, who taught first grade and art and music in Eugene before retirement. “There are some amazing kids that haven’t had any training at all.”
The 10th annual High School Art Show opens with a reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 and continues through Saturday, Jan. 21 at Studio 205 Gallery & Frame Making. This year’s show will feature 18 artists from Timberline High School, Gerot said.
The exhibit features work created by teens in the past year. Many of the kids carry sketchbooks but they don’t have the opportunity to create large-scale pieces, Gerot said. Between Thanksgiving and the annual January showcase, the couple open their studio on weekends
for teens to sign up for free 90-minute sessions where art materials are provided. Greg Gerot mats all the works before the exhibit.
“We usually have 60 to 70 pieces,” Diane Gerot said.
For the annual show the couple completely empty their gallery of the items they sell the rest of the year and devote the space to the kids.
While some youth have sports to show their talents this gives those with other skills the chance to express them, Gerot said.
If You Go What: 10th annual High School Art Show
When: Opening reception 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 The exhibit continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 19-21
Where: Studio 205 Gallery & Frame Making, 205 S. Main St., Pierce
Cost: Free
