Gallery Morgan Hill Moves

The Gallery Morgan Hill, a fixture of downtown Morgan Hill, has moved from the Downtown Mall on Monterey Street to The Granary on Depot Street at the intersection of First and Depot streets, one block away.

The move was a bold decision by the co-op gallery to put its bets on the new Granary location given the interesting structure, a renovated old granary building dating back to 1942.

The standalone metal structure sits in front of the larger Granary building and has high ceilings, terra cotta walls, natural light and original tile floors.

Gallery owners believe the new location will help make them more visible which will be good for sales and customers. The old location was inside the mall with zero visibility from Monterey. The Gallery is also banking on the future of Depot Street with street improvements, new businesses and the soon to be completed court house. 

The gallery began 15 years ago when the city’s redevelopment agency approved a $3,500 grant to establish an art co-op called Gallery Morgan Hill. The grant gave the artists the necessary boost they needed to get a cooperative up and running to display and sell their artwork. Most of the cooperative’s members were from Morgan Hill and the South County area. 

The gallery began with 18 artists but currently have 15 artists. In exchange for an initiation fee, 1-2 days of volunteer work at the gallery and monthly dues, artists can display their work. The cooperative has made a difference to local artists, giving them a chance to show their work to the community.  The gallery has also worked with the city hosting the past Centennial Morgan Hill 2006 poster contest and the recycle bin poster contest. The gallery features original artwork in oil, watercolors, pastel, collage, pottery, sculpture, assemblege, jewelry, photography, woodwork and more.  

“The gallery is a wonderful outlet that keeps us productive,” said Karen Garnett, gallery treasurer and founding member. “You tend not to create if you don’t have an audience.”

Currently, “Views of Morgan Hill” is on display in the main Granary building, 17490 Depot St., through Aug. 14. This exhibit by gallery artists was planned in celebration of the city’s centennial this year. The gallery is opened Wednesday through Friday, 11am – 5:30pm, Saturday, 10am – 4 pm; Sunday, 11am – 4pm. For more information call (408) 776-7990 or visit www.gallerymorganhill.org