BOZEMAN — Undeterred by the pandemic, a couple of fearless entrepreneurs decided to move forward in opening an art gallery this week.
They say the decision was fueled by their passion and community support.
“We had gone to a point where we’d be leaving a lot on the table,” said Sahra Beaupré, Co-Founder of Echo Arts.
“When you’ve created something that you believe in so much and that you’re so passionate about we felt we were in the right community to support that.
In mid-March, the co-owners of an up-and-coming gallery and events space in historic northeast Bozeman had to reschedule their grand opening.
“Everything kinda halted to a stop when the stay at home order was in place. So we were just in a holding period for the last few months,” said Greta Hagg, Co-Founder of Echo Arts.
“I think everyone in that first month of uncertainty especially when they were just about to launch or they were a relatively new business felt that incredible fear like should we continue on with this even though our whole business model changes,” said Beaupré.
But in spite of the uncertainty, the two charged forward in opening up the space earlier this week.
“This space really lends itself to social distancing. It’s a big wide open space and we’re letting people in in this phase one. We’re allowing about 5 to 6 people in at a time” said Hagg.
Textile art installations are on display as well as work from other local and regional artists.
As for renting the space for gatherings and events, we’ll have to wait until a later phase of reopening for that.
“When phase two rolls out we’ll allow more people in here but definitely keep things distant,” said Hagg.
“And then we’re hoping that in July we’ll be able to have a grand opening, and celebration, closing reception of this show.”
Echo Arts will be open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
You can also set up a time for a private appointment.
