Local artist creates his own temporary art gallery

Juan Morfin Ballard

A temporary art gallery has popped up in the former Classic Consignment building at 5514 24th Ave NW. 

Ballard resident, Kyle Perry, 30, had an important thought in January. He believed he could do something he’d never done before; bring his love for art to the forefront of public interaction while simultaneously uplifting local artists. It was in an empty building, hidden away in downtown Ballard that he accomplished this.

“I love art,” Perry candidly said when asked why he chose to create a pop-up gallery. Specifically, he wanted to open the gallery for two reasons: To finally display his own art, and to provide an opportunity for local artists to showcase their own art and make money off of their passion. 

“A lot of paintings have already been sold. I’m very proud. I’m prouder, however, of the fact I take no commission from the sales. The artist receives all of the money,” Perry said. It was his intention from the outset to create this gallery, not for the money, but for the love of art. No more. No less. 

Despite coming up with the idea of an art gallery in January, Perry only had two weeks to renovate the building, gather and hang the paintings of local artists (13 artists in total), and advertise the whole thing. He accomplished all of this and so much more within that time while working his regular 10-hour shifts at Annie’s Art & Frame.

“My girlfriend says I should have asked for help,” Perry jokingly said after he finished explaining all of this. 

The building that houses this pop-up gallery was damaged several years ago in the devastating fire at NW Market St and 24th Ave NW in October 2019 that destroyed several adjacent buildings. 

“Luckily, this building didn’t sustain heavy fire damage but the smoke damage was irreparable. With the building being scheduled for demolition next month, the owners were glad the building was finally being put to use. They’ve owned the building since the ’60s,” Perry explained. 

You can see the gallery for yourself for free now until May 28.