Gallery West saved from closure, local business owner to continue its legacy

Gallery West abides.

With owner-operator Kirsten West’s recent retirement, it seemed like the local gallery was done for after 11 years of serving as Macon’s primary gathering spot for music tourists and fans of the Allman Brothers Band.

Featuring decades of Kirk West’s photos of renowned musicians while also highlighting the Allman Brothers’ legacy, the gallery is being rescued from closure by Scott Mitchell, owner of downtown’s The Bohemian Den and Sweet Eleanor’s Divine Deserts.

“I could not have picked a better human being than Scott Mitchell to take over our gallery,” Kirsten told me last week before the final decision was announced. “It just makes total sense.”

Not only has Mitchell proven himself a savvy entrepreneur-businessman, but he’s shown his love for Macon through both personal and professional involvements, such as being holding various positions with the Downtown Macon Community Association, being a Newtown Macon Downtown Ambassador award winner, helping establish the Macon Sculpture Walk and Macon Music Sculpture Park, as well as founding and guiding the work of Macon Pride.

Nate Weeks wrote in The Middle Georgia Times that Mitchell’s work in art and music projects was done out of seeing the need and opportunity and getting things done without “waiting for government funding.”

Mitchell was instrumental in helping other small business owners correctly complete the morass of paperwork required for financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kirsten West said she will stay on board at Gallery West until July 1 when Mitchell officially takes over. She said the name will remain the same, as will Kirk’s work. She also said she and Kirk West will still be around for Gallery West happenings.

Mitchell said he had ideas for the future of the beloved gallery and noted that he was “honored and humbled” to take the helm following the legacy Kirsten and Kirk built. 

“I really want to lead with the same kind of heart they put into it — I can’t wait,” he said.

It’s a relief to admirers of the gallery and Kirk West’s work, including lovers of his internationally-known photography and those who love the tales he spins about his decades of service as the Allman Brothers Road manager.

Don’t forget, it was the Wests who moved to town and restored what’s now The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House. It was Kirsten’s work at the Capitol Theatre, now the Robins Financial Capitol Theatre, that put it on the path to becoming a significant regional music venue. 

“For years, Gallery West has been more than just a gallery. It has been a gathering place for artists, dreamers, collectors, musicians, storytellers and people searching for connection through creativity. That spirit exists because of the love, vision and dedication that Kirk and Kirsten poured into this space,” Mitchell said at the announcement event last Friday. “Taking over a space with this much heart carries a deep responsibility. Kirk and Kirsten created something special here. They championed artists, nurtured community and made people feel welcome the moment they walked through the door.

“I believe art spaces matter. They give people room to feel, to heal, to question, to celebrate and to belong. My hope is to continue building a place where creativity and community meet, where local artists are uplifted, where difficult conversations can happen, where joy can be shared and where everyone feels like they have a seat at the table… the soul of Gallery West will always remain rooted in the foundation Kirk and Kirsten built with so much care. 

“Thank you both for trusting me with something that means so much to you. I promise to lead with my heart.”

Kyler Mosley, president of the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association and the annual GABBA Fest, shared what he thought about Gallery West continuing.

“Folks coming in for GABBA and Skydog (a festival honoring Duane Allman) have always seen Gallery West as a part of the festival and we’ve been proud of our association with it and the Wests,” he said. “We’re very thankful the gallery isn’t closing and wish Scott every success. We look forward to a great relationship with him and getting to talk about his plans. I helped Kirk unload the trailer when he and Kirsten first moved here into the Big House — those two have made such an impression on Macon and still are.”

Art news from Houston County

Things are happening in the Houston County art world you need to know about.

The Warner Robins-based Fine Arts Society of Middle Georgia lost its gallery months ago when its home on Commercial Circle off Watson Boulevard was torn down. That’s where Warner Robins’ early-days downtown once existed and where current efforts are being focused to make it a city center.

Though they haven’t found a new home gallery, Fine Arts Society members have found a showcase for their work in the corridors of Rigby’s Entertainment Complex/Rigby’s Conference Center on Ga. 96.

President of the Fine Arts Society Karen Sisk and three others are opening a gallery in Perry. Others involved are artists Cathy Compton, Susan Arrington and photographer Steve Arnold.

The gallery, called The Village Louvre on Carroll, is having an opening drop-in reception Friday from 6-8 p.m. at 736 Carroll St., Unit 9.

“It’s a small gallery, but it’s a start and we’ll just be showing our work at first,” Sisk said. 

Later they hope to expand with more outreach to the community and other artists, she said, noting that it’s the first art-dedicated gallery in Perry.

Finally, bringing it back to Rigby’s and their association with the Fine Arts Society, the two have partnered to create an art expo Aug. 14-16. Deadline for submissions is May 15. It is a juried show, limited to 40 artists in a variety of media. A $35 application fee includes professional feedback.

More information and application forms can be found at Rigby’s Fine Art Exhibition.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com. Find him on Instagram at michael_w_pannell.