Gallery B Lease Extended Through December 2013

The future is looking bright for

The community art gallery, which has operated successfully since opening in October of 2011, has seen the lease for its Wisconsin Avenue space extended through December of 2013, according to spokeswoman Stephanie Coppula.

BUP, which operates the gallery along with the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District, is seeking artists and curators interested in applying for month-long exhibits there from January through December of next year.

“The lease was initially going to expire at the end of September 2012,” Coppula said.

In the spring, BUP and property owners Bethesda Place agreed to extend the lease through the end of the year, and within the past two months finalized an agreement for the gallery to remain through the end of 2013.

The gallery is located in the former Fraser Gallery space at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. one of several art galleries in Bethesda that have closed in the face of a downturned economy.

Gallery B opened to afford local and regional artists and art exhibitors a place to showcase their work in downtown Bethesda, according to BUP.

The gallery will continue to operate at its location rent-free, Coppula said. However, artists or curators whose work is chosen will be charged a $1,200 fee per month-long exhibit, Coppula said.

The fee helps offset the costs of expenses like utilities, marketing and promotion. Artists have been charged the same fee in the gallery’s first year of operation, Coppula said.

If you’re interested in applying to show your artwork at Gallery B, visit the Bethesda Urban Partnership’s website for more information. Applications are being accepted through Aug. 10.