Two veteran artists have joined forces to create a new art gallery in Historic Downtown Three Rivers.

Steve Johnson and Terry Graber are the co-owners and “artists in residence” at ‘Two Red Chairs Gallery’ which is located at 53 North Main Street, next door to the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce.

Johnson specializes in watercolors with most of his subject matter from the Middlebury/Shipshewana area in Northern Indiana.  Graber is known for murals, icons and papier mache creations.  Johnson also designs and builds unique stick and twig furniture under the name Fiddle Sticks.

The Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce and its Ambassador Committee welcomed Two Red Chairs Gallery to downtown Three Rivers with a January 19th ribbon-cutting ceremony. Wielding the scissors is co-owner Steve Johnson with co-owner Terry Graber at his side. In the photo (left to right): Chamber Ambassador Cassidy Munn, Chamber President/CEO Christy Trammell, Johnson, Graber, and Chamber Ambassadors Melissa Barlow and Stephanie Schoon. (Click on photo to enlarge)

During a recent interview with the River Country Journal, Johnson said the new venture is “kind of a culmination of a lot years of experience” by himself and Graber.  He said, “We are both practical, down-to-earth artists and we want that same feel in our gallery.”  And he added, “We want a warm, friendly feeling when you walk in here and the artwork is to enjoy and be with and ask questions about and learn about.”  (Steve Johnson audio clip – :52)

In addition to the artistic creations by Johnson and Graber, Two Red Chairs Gallery offers art classes.

The gallery participated in the ‘Christmas Around Town” activities in downtown Three Rivers the weekend after Thanksgiving and officially opened December 1st.

Johnson said Two Red Chairs Gallery will hold its ‘grand opening’ with an open house just before Valentine’s Day – on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 9th, 10th and 11th.  (Steve Johnson audio clip – :48)

Johnson said the building in which the gallery is located is “a perfect setting for an art gallery.”  And he said, “It’s a fun place to be.  Both of us feel guilty sometimes because it’s not work at all for us because we’re literally in here playing.”

This photo provides a glimpse of the interior – and some of the artwork – you'll find at 53 North Main Street in downtown Three Rivers.

Two Red Chairs Gallery is open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To reach the artists by telephone, call Steve Johnson at (574) 524-0457 and Terry Graber at (269) 435-2204.  Their e-mail addresses – respectively – are t.graber@comcast.net  and makeart3@aol.com.

To hear the full interview with Steve Johnson – recorded by Bruce Snook of the River Country Journal – click on the following link:  Steve Johnson interview (16:23 – 15 MB).