The Art Loft gallery, a five room, ever-changing, malleable space, represents works by over 100 artists, exhibiting jewelry, sculpture, pottery, fine art, clothing and more.

MAYVILLE, NY — After having been involved in the arts for over 35 years, Bonnie and Warren Beyer opened the Art Loft in Mayville four years ago, finding the beauty of an old lumber mill the perfect venue to display and sell the work of over 100 local and national artists.

Bonnie Beyer says that the artists are passionate about their artwork and The Art Loft is passionate about providing a forum to represent the finest artists in their field.

"We have everything from fine art, glass, sculpture, watercolors, fiber, wearable art, and a gift shop with smaller things. It's a great place for people to see hand-made and one-of-a kind items."

As Bonnie showcases the five galleries of the loft, she stops to describe the work of each artist in detail. In one painting by Susan Forrester-Mackay, a woman appears to be doting over a child. She remarks, "This artist has a way of creating a tremendous amount of emotion in her work…it just talks to you." Its an admiration she shares for all the artists featured in her gallery, whatever the form or media, whether whimsical or serious or somewhere in-between.

Visitors will find that the history of the building combined with the beauty of the work in the house makes for a memorable and unique experience. A restored 1900's lumber mill, the loft has 40-foot high rafters. A catwalk that was used by workers is still intact, as are rustic beams, giving the space a country charm with a contemporary sophistication.

"We love the building and we thought it was so conducive to fine art," Beyer says. The couple added a gallery in the second story loft last year and now have five separate spaces where customers will find a wide array of interesting and unique pieces. Along with fine art, items include bread trays, clothing, pocketbooks, pottery and jewelry.

Bonnie Beyer's handcrafted jewelry.

The Art Loft is the place to wander, have fun and pick up just the right original handcrafted item that makes the perfect gift. Beyer says "coming to The Art Loft is both a fun and inspiring experience."

While representing a large array of local artists, the visitor will also see the work of artists from Arizona, the Beyer's winter home, as well as work represented by artists from across the United States and Canada. Beyer says that visitors come from as far as Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Buffalo and Erie to visit the gallery.

Bonnie's handcrafted jewelry, made from horseshoe nails from Sweden is also displayed. She has been creating her jewelry for 35 years and says people enjoy wearing her pieces because "they are different and so conversational." In the last four to five years she has also been doing work with brass and copper which she hand fabricates, cutting and soldering the pieces together.

The Beyers also participate in and sponsor the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail, the May event in which 25 artists open their studios to the public. They also take part in numerous art shows throughout the country.

The Art Loft is located at 4994 West Lake Road in Mayville, 1/2 mile north of Chautauqua Institution. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

For more information on their gallery and gift shop, or the featured artists, visit www.theartloft.org.