Gallery 101 To Close Its Doors Christmas Eve

Since opening Doug Tubach has temporarily closed the doors each winter as he headed out west to work on some of Hollywood’s biggest films.

On New Year’s Day, he will once again head out to San Francisco to work as a visual effects artist for Industrial Light and Magic, a division of Lucasfilm Ltd.

But when Tubach closes the gallery on Christmas Eve, this time it will be for good.

“I was passionate about making this work,” Tubach said. “It was difficult to get beyond the expenses and start seeing a profit.”

Tubach’s Collinsville gallery is eclectic mix of works by local and regional artists. Paintings, calendars and folk art adorn the walls while teas, note cards and novelty gifts are scattered on shelves, tables and cases throughout the space. In the midst of it all are scenic photographs by Tubach and others, many printed on canvas on the gallery’s large format printer.

Located at the corner of Front and Main streets, the gallery’s large windows and vintage, wide-plank flooring gave the space a brightness that defies its lower-level location.

Started in 2008, Tubach feels it just may have been the wrong time for the business. He said many of the gallery’s items were simply non-essentials when people were struggling to pay bills and keep food on the table or lacked the gas to come out to the gallery.

“It kind of puts art as a luxury people can live without,” Tubach said.

But while he struggled to make the gallery work financially, it did become on of Collinsville’s main artistic hubs. Events at the gallery included art walks, artistic demonstrations, a weekly “Art Jam” with Jim Koplar and a monthly “speakeasy,” where local musicians would entertain while people enjoyed music, conversation and legal alcohol. Local singer-songwriter Chris Sheehan hosted the musical events, which generally included a Collinsville "train wreck" jam at the end of the evening.

"The gallery was eclectic and the unique items will be missed," Sheehan said. "More than that, the community will miss the energy and entrepreneurial spirit which Doug brought to Collinsville. I will personally miss the monthly 'Speakeasies,' which was a wonderful showcase for local musical talent. I wish him all the best for his future adventures and I hope he will remain tied to the community in one form or another."

Koplar said the gallery will be missed for many reasons.

“I am personally grateful for all the exposure and success that I have received as a direct result of working with Mr. Tubach these past four years,” said Koplar, a Collinsville artist and teacher. “I think the local art scene will suffer a tremendous loss without his tireless efforts and community spirit.”

Tubach said he enjoyed getting to know the artists, town residents and visitors.

“It’s been a great four years,” he said. “I really enjoyed being down here in Collinsville and getting to know the residents a little bit and meet the visitors to town."

Tubach has also been extensively involved in the Chamber of Commerce, helping plan and document events like the evening strolls through the village. Executive Director Phil Worley said he's contributed much to the art and business aspects of town.

“As a Director and Events Committee Chair of the Canton Chamber of Commerce, he has been the Chamber's face and voice in Collinsville,” Worley said. “Both the Chamber and the Collinsville business community will miss these sides of Doug. We should hope that Doug will remain and resurface in Collinsville in some other form that will further demonstrate his many talents to the benefit of this wonderful part of our town.”

“Gallery 101 will be a loss to Collinsville, and I hope that Doug will remain active in Collinsville in some capacity,” added Chamber president Gary Miller.

Tubach said he may have to cut back on some activities but still plans to stay in Canton and active in the community. He is also not ruling out a future business venture, especially if the economy improves and the Collinsville Factory plan moves forward.

“I’m always open to all kinds of ideas,” he said.

When he returns in late April or May, he also plans to stay active in the community and continue with his photographic passion, continuing to document the live shows at Bridge Street live for example.

And for a few more days, he can be found at Gallery 101. And the gallery has plenty of holiday gift possibilities for as little as $5. In fact, Tubach said most items are under $50. Those include stocking, bowls made from old albums, teas and Koplar's Collinsville and "Rust in Peace" calendars. 

The gallery will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 to 4 p.m. Sunday. It reopens again Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Christmas Eve, the store will close around 4 p.m.

On Wednesday Dec. 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Koplar will host the final art jam. Cost is $10, which includes art supplies and instruction. Koplar said he will order pizza and host a small party for Tubach as well.