EASTHAMPTON – The Oxbow Gallery has been a Northampton staple for 17 years. The cooperative gallery, owned and operated by area artists, is now gearing up for their move to 40 Cottage Street in Easthampton. They will officially open in the new space on Dec. 2.

For the gallery to function, each member pays dues that cover operating expenses. In exchange, they get to showcase their artwork in the space. Over a three year period, each artist has two solo shows.

According to Oxbow member Joanne Holtje, the primary reason for the move is due to increasing rent costs.

“Rent is our biggest expense. And Northampton rents are just continuing to climb and we knew that, at some point, it was going to get to the point where it would be too much,” she said. “It’s sort of like playing chicken. You don’t know exactly when it’s going to get to that breaking point where members are going to start leaving because they just can’t rationalize the expense, so it’s something that we’ve been aware of and thinking about for every renewal of our lease.”

Holtje said members are now in the process of making repairs and painting walls in the new space. On Dec. 2, the new location will open with a group show that includes all members called “Making Moves: Crossing the Manhan.”

The solo artist feature will be member Karen Evans, an oil painter, with a show titled “Neighborhood Sightings.” Her art will be displayed from Dec. 2 to Jan. 2, 2022.

The Oxbow Gallery will also host an artist reception to celebrate the opening on Dec. 10.

According to Holtje, residents of Easthampton have already shown immense support and are excited about the move.

“There has been a lot of excitement. Easthampton has been very welcoming. And there’s been a few people who have been disappointed about Northampton, but we just have to emphasize that it’s just a 10-minute drive from our previous location. It’s really not that far,” she said.

Holtje emphasized how Easthampton has a thriving creative community with many artists and art appreciators in the city. She also said that the new space is in an area with free parking and lots of foot traffic.

“We’ve really become aware of the terrific support that Easthampton offers the creative community. We’re very excited about that. Even though it’s a little bit smaller of a city, it does have a lot to offer and we’re very happy about the neighborhood,” said Holtje.

The new space is larger than Oxbow Gallery’s Northampton location and Holtje said she is looking forward to thinking about ways to fill it. She said that this move has galvanized the members and brought them even closer together.

“We’ve been forced to really think about what’s important and lots of people have stepped forward to help. I just think it’s good for the organization. It’s like a breath of fresh air,” said Holtje. “You can get complacent. Doing something like this has really shaken things up a little bit and gotten people excited.”

The Oxbow Gallery continues to post updates on the move and upcoming exhibits on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/oxbowgallery.

Holtje encouraged people to check out the new space and to give the new city a try.

“I hope people will take the chance and take a little drive down the road and maybe they’ll find some other fabulous things in Easthampton as well … There’s a really good ice cream store right next door.” she said.