Nov. 19, 2014
“It was a happy surprise to find we had been nominated for “Best Art Gallery” in King 5 TV’s Best of Western Washington contest. Once we knew, we let our customers and community know. It was great, everyone was so enthusiastic, more than willing to vote and spread the word,” owner Rob Schouten said.
“It was a nice way to connect with our patrons, and it got exciting as we saw our rating rise and rise! Two hours before voting closed we were thrilled to see our gallery at #1. Shortly after that the site removed all data, so we had to wait two weeks, until Nov. 14 to learn the final voting results.
The official announcement from King 5 came last Friday: “Voters named Rob Schouten Gallery the Best Art Gallery in Western Washington for 2014. More than 185 other nominees competed for the title, but in the end there was only one winner. Thanks to all who voted, and congratulations to the Rob Schouten Gallery.”
Not only did the Schouten Gallery garner enough votes to win over Chihuly Glass, the Seattle Art Museum, and more then 180 other top area galleries, over 100 voters left glowing comments as well. Comments like:
“This gallery is truly exemplary of all the artistic talent on Whidbey Island. We are presented with glass, wood, jewelry, woven art, sculpture, bird carvings, in addition to Rob’s internationally respected paintings and the welcoming greetings from Victory, Rob, and their staff. How lucky we are!”
“Have traveled the world and never found such an eclectic, wonderfully presented, diverse and premier buying opportunity as Rob and Victory Schouten’s wonderful gallery on Whidbey Island.”
“This is a beautiful gallery run by wonderful owners. I go here whenever I am in Washington. Never a dull wall! Love it!”
“Highly skilled artist, Rob Schouten, has created a small, yet always visually stunning gallery with an array of fine artists. This gallery is a”schlock-free” environment.”
“Art that evokes a feeling of real life; an unpretentious gallery. Down-to-earth folks are Rob and Victory. The place is a spirit lifter.”
“Artist-owned with an amazing and eclectic mix of Whidbey related and general interest beauty. A must-visit gallery and a great supporter of the Whidbey arts community.”
Established at Whidbey’s Greenbank Farm in 2008, Rob Schouten Gallery and Sculpture Garden’s showcases top-quality painting and sculpture as well as fine art glass, jewelry, ceramics, encaustics, woodworking, printmaking, woodworking and fiber arts created by some of the region’s finest artists.
“Victory and I really love our gallery,” Schouten said, “and we are proud to represent the 30 world-class artists who show with us. We also very much appreciate our wonderful customers and community with whom we very much value a warm connection.”
“We also feel extremely lucky to be a part of Whidbey’s thriving arts-loving community. Whidbey has a number of terrific groups and individuals supporting the arts in myriad ways, and a good representation of top-notch studios and galleries exhibiting and promoting the island’s many fine artists. We would not want to be anywhere else.”
“We are particularly happy to be a part of Greenbank Farm with its other fine galleries, shops and cafe. We hope our win as “Best Gallery in Western Washington” adds to the buzz making the Farm, and Whidbey Island itself, even more of a destination place, as it so deserves to be.”
The Rob Schouten Gallery is having a party from 1 to 4 p.m.on Sunday, Dec. 14 to celebrate their wonderful year and the holiday season. There will be refreshments and the wonderful music of Keith Bowers and Kristi O’Donnell to add to the fun. The Schoutens hope you can join them!
Excellent gallery always showing something new. Open year round. Very happy to be a member showing pastel landscapes. The public always welcome.
I love the lights, must look amazing at night!