Nestled in the heart of downtown Waukesha, Wisconsin, Rivers End Gallery is a hub of creativity and community. Since opening its doors in 2006, the gallery has been a staple of the local art scene, showcasing the work of talented regional artists and providing a welcoming space for art enthusiasts of all ages.
The gallery is owned and operated by Joan Skimmons, who has a passion for art and a deep appreciation for the artists who create it. Her commitment to showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums is evident in the gallery’s ever-changing exhibits, which feature everything from oil paintings, fused glass, blown glass and jewelry.
But Rivers End Gallery is much more than just a place to view and purchase artwork. Joan has made it a point to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can connect with the art. Many times, you will find Joan painting in her studio in the gallery rear or find her giving painting lessons to a beginner who needs a jump start.
The gallery also hosts regular events. One of the gallery’s most popular events is the Waukesha Art Crawl, which is held five times a year on the first Saturday of March, May, August, October, and December. Downtown Waukesha comes alive with businesses, restaurants and bars participating. You will meet the artists and participate in a variety of related activities, such as live music performances.
In addition to representing more than 50 local artists, Joan is also a talented artist. She spends her time creating paintings specifically for clients. She works closely with the client to bring their ideas alive – from the subject matter, hues, size, frame, and the price. There is a guarantee too. If the client is not satisfied with the painting, they do not have to purchase it, and there are no hard feelings.
In addition to showcasing local artists, Rivers End Gallery also supports the community in other ways. The gallery frequently supports local charities and organizations, such as the Waukesha County Community Foundation.
Joan’s background as a retired Senior Vice President from a large technology company where she worked as a marketing professional in business-to-business marketing and sales provided Joan with the business acumen to operate a successful art gallery for 18 years.
For Joan, owning Rivers End Gallery is more than just a business – it is a labor of love. Her dedication to promoting local artists and fostering a sense of community is evident in every aspect of the gallery. It is also, a fulfillment of a life plan. Joan started painting in oils at nine years old and painted until age fifteen. Then she stopped to gain an education, work to fund the education, build a career, and later raise a family. She always promised herself that she would go back to art as a retirement gift to herself. In 2001, she began to paint again, and in 2006, she purchased a building in downtown Waukesha, remodeled it, and opened the River’s End Gallery. She has pleased hundreds of clients all over the country with her many commissions.
Joan’s paintings are created in oil and/or acrylic paints. She paints all types of subject matter. Her style is very loose realism to abstract. When the gallery is open, you can find Joan in the studio and all are welcome to come into the studio and watch art in process. Joan explained, “I love the art and the artists I represent. They are wonderful and the art they create makes people smile. There isn’t anything better. And, of course, I am so very pleased when one of my paintings finds a new home.”
Whether you are an art lover or just looking for a welcoming space to pick up a special gift, Rivers End Gallery is a must-visit destination in downtown Waukesha.
River’s End Gallery
380 W. Main St. | Waukesha, WI 53186
riversendgallery.com
262-780-1191
This article is from the EY January 2024 Issue