Our Story

In 2021, we moved full time to the Indiana Dunes after raising our three sons and spending our professional careers between Washington, D.C. and Chicago.  Tim grew up in Chesterton and we have been coming to the dunes for decades to visit family and friends.  We love this community, and believe the surrounding area is a national treasure.

In 2023, we bought 115-117 Broadway in historic downtown Chesterton, located in the new Chesterton Railside Arts & Cultural District. The two-story building at 115 Broadway, which was constructed in 1882, was home to Bartels Hardware until the early 1970s.  The one-story 117 Broadway had been a law office since 1978.  

Excited to revitalize both buildings, we first renovated the space at 117 Broadway, which now houses the Red Cup Deli & Cafe.  

We then decided to turn the old 1882 hardware store into an art gallery.  

As we began the renovation project, we also took an exhilarating dive into the art world.  We’ve long been passionate about the arts, as collectors and supporters of our family members and friends who are artists.  Now we began our art journey as gallery owners.  We hired art experts from both coasts: Jim O’Donnell, who also happens to be Ellen’s brother, and Heather Hubbs, who grew up with Tim. We began visiting artists' studios throughout the country, learning about trends, and talking about potential exhibits.  We saw some amazing art, cool studios, and met incredibly creative, talented and interesting people.  And we started to figure out what we want in a gallery and what we want to bring to the duneland community.

Our goal is to be a gallery where artists have a new place to show, where people can engage with important art, and where visitors to the National Park can spend time.  We expect the gallery to evolve and we hope that it becomes a valued cultural resource for the duneland community.

Come see us and we can enjoy some great contemporary art together.  Hope to see you soon.  

Ellen and Tim