Coffman ArtWorks Gallery officially opened it’s doors the first of January 2020 and held the doors open until late March when we realized that no one was going to come to any events and people were afraid to go anywhere because of the pandemic. I closed the doors and made some masks at the gallery that I could share. I could sit at home and be afraid, or could choose to get busy and learn to build a new website. I chose to be careful but not afraid. Fear, not the corona virus is what shut down small businesses all over america. I was determined not to be one of them.
It wasn’t clear at first if I could continue with the large outdoor mural I was in the middle of or whether I would get in trouble, so I waited awhile and then got permission from the city of Leavenworth to get back to work. I will say that the Lord provided for the business during the shut down by providing an indoor mural, some wallpapering jobs and a loan for the one month’s expenses that kept it going. I kept busy and I didn’t stay home like most others. I could always go to the gallery and work, and was able to finish the historical mural at 4th and Cherokee in Leavenworth, KS, which I hope you all will be able to get out and enjoy. There are about 10 other new murals there in the downtown for you to explore and find. That is what public art is for, for you to enjoy.
The doors are open Monday through Friday 10 – 5 and I hope you will come by and have a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the art that our 4 resident artists and myself have to share. Just so you know, going to a gallery is one of the safest places you could visit in public. Unlike other stores, “You don’t touch anything” and You will not have to fight the crowds. You can find something you like without the worry. Hope to see you here soon.