Great Oaks Bank and Arts on the Coast hosted a gallery opening and dedication last week. As part of the design of its flagship banking office in Richmond Hill, Great Oaks reserved a space to house a permanent, rotating gallery, featuring works by local artists.

 “Our vision was to make local artwork readily available for the community to enjoy,” said CEO, Mike Odom. “Arts on the Coast has been a pleasure to collaborate with and we are proud to feature their artists in the bank.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to introduce more community members to the talented local artists we have here in Richmond Hill,” said Sarah Volker, President, Arts on the Coast. “To have another avenue to showcase and sell artwork is essential to our artists and our organization’s success.”

The highlight of the evening was dedicating and naming the gallery in recognition of Barbara and Jimmy Estes, who were instrumental in founding Arts on the Coast and in supporting the arts in Richmond Hill. Jimmy passed away in 2011. Barbara, a retired art teacher, attended for the moving gallery dedication.

This is the first gallery reception held at the bank, which opened its doors in November 2020. Arts on the Coast will be rotating artwork in the gallery every few weeks, with future receptions planned.