The Center of the Universe for Art

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The Rectangle Gallery and Creative Space, new to downtown Centralia, is part of a growing movement among locals toward appreciation of the arts in Centralia, said owner and artist Jan Nontell.

The new enterprise on Tower Avenue joins other ongoing art-centered projects and businesses, including the restoration of the Fox Theatre, the HUBBUB boutique and the Bethel Church’s School of the Arts.

“Lewis County is home to many, many amazing artists and people don’t know about them. It’s one of our best kept secrets,” said Nontell, one of the gallery’s artists. “I want to make Centralia the center of the universe for art.”

The Rectangle Gallery and Creative Space opened its doors starting with a “sneak peak” on April 21, and plans to have its official grand opening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

“It’s amazing to have a gallery in Centralia,” said Marlene Hodge, a darkroom photographer whose work is showcased at the gallery.

The building was recently used as a gallery for ARTrails of Southwest Washington.

Nontell said that gallery introduced her to the space, and influenced her decision to buy the building and create a permanent art gallery and creative space at the location. 

The building was once a Woolworth’s department store, and still includes many of its vintage touches, including tin ceilings and antique bathroom fixtures, she said. The gallery’s name is an allusion to the shape of the main gallery — a large, open rectangle.

“I’m committed to art in Centralia,” Nontell said. 

Nontell is purchasing the building, but runs the business along with the other artists in a co-op format. She and the other artist members work together to schedule and lead classes, run the business itself and judge the quality of new artists’ submissions to the gallery as a jury. The gallery includes artists only from Lewis County and south Thurston County.

The main gallery shows off art in various media, including concrete, metal and wood sculptures, paintings, photography, textile art and more. All of the art is created by the 11 member-artists in the co-op. 

The gallery is planning on accepting more artists in the future and rotating its displays.



“I’d like to see some big colorful abstracts … and some nice watercolors,” said Gail Gary, a two-dimensional artist who exhibits at the gallery. “We’re all excited to be in this show.”

The artists also envision the business as a creative space, and have created a classroom area behind the main gallery. They are working to develop studio space upstairs, where artists can rent space to work and store their equipment. The upstairs area will also include a large area where artists can share space and work collaboratively in the future, Nontell said. 

The artists plan to start a Third Thursday event — similar to a First Friday — when they’ll stay open late and exhibit more art, music and other interactive experiences for patrons.

In its first week, the gallery has already seen some foot-traffic from curious passers-by. Nontell said parents should not be afraid to bring their families in for a visit.

“My feeling here is that kids need art as much as art needs kids,” Nontell said. “If somebody wants to come in with their kids, we’ll even help teach them how to appreciate art. We like kids here.”

Nontell’s fellow artists said they are excited to have the opportunity to showcase their work at a local gallery. 

“It was just a given,” said Joan Hitchcock, who creates concrete sculptures, silk and felt art.

“‘You’re opening a gallery? I’m in.’”

The gallery is open through May from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. This summer it will be open seven days a week with hours to be determined, Nontell said. 

For more information about the gallery, and to learn about upcoming classes, visit therectanglegallery.com.