Art in a Barn? Idea Takes Root with the Aloft Gallery

Situated next to busy Interstate 80, tucked behind rows of organically grown veggies and fields high with maiden grass, sits a sturdy-looking barn.

Inside, visitors pick up bags of CSA (community-supported agriculture) goods, gather around tables for a home-cooked meal and browse the selection of a neat little art gallery right inside the door.

That little gallery is the Aloft Gallery at 32513 Ute Ave. Opened in April, it’s housed in the whimsical-looking barn with the red door at LT Organic Farm.

An art gallery in a barn? To artists and Aloft Gallery owners Wendy Rounds and Victoria Gobel, it wasn’t such a far-fetched idea.

“When I was in college studying art, we took a field trip to meet an artist who had converted a barn into a studio,” said Rounds. “That was just it for me. I’d always loved farms. I thought that was the greatest thing.”

Co-owner and resident artist Gobel agreed. When the two became fast friends over an art class, the idea of art in a barn started to sound more probable. It wasn’t until a typical trip to pick up their CSA buys that the idea started to get its legs.

“When spring came around, we had actually decided to be bold enough to ask LT if we could use the barn to teach arts classes there,” said Gobel.  “He said, ‘That would be a good idea,’ then out of the blue he said, ‘You see this room, this is where your art studio and your gallery will be.’ And the rest is history.”

Between Rounds’ and Gobel’s works of art, there’s little you won’t find here. Gobel’s original angel face drawings and paintings pepper the walls and cubbies. Rounds’ sewing prowess produces more projects than the tables can hold. Together, they’re able to fill the ample space with more than enough work to be a feast to the eyes.

In addition to items offered for sale, the two artists also host classes teaching everything from drawing and painting to mixed media and jewelry making. Classes are typically $70 per person and include dinner in the restaurant.

So what do the family owners of LT Organic Farm think of the idea now? Navin Bhramdat, son of the 'LT' in LT Organic Farm, said the family is pleased to offer visitors an eclectic shopping experience.

“When people come out, they are interested not only in the art but the whole set up,” he said. “They are also looking to buy something local, so they look at the gallery and what the restaurant offers and the benefits of the CSA. It all works hand in hand.”

For both Rounds and Gobel, each says the Aloft Gallery is a dream realized.

“Wendy and I say all the time, we need to pinch ourselves and ask, ‘Is this really happening?” said Gobel.

The Aloft Gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the first frost of the season (typically October).  Rounds said the Gallery will have a special holiday event in November to close out the season.

For more information visit the Aloft Gallery on Facebook or call 515-720-4987.