The Tortoise Gallery is OPEN!



Nancy Sims-West

Friday night the people of Paola and Miami County, Kansas, came out to support the new Tortoise Gallery on the square! It was a great evening for the gallery's new owner, Nancy Sims-West and the featured artist, painter Jeannie Foster.  Jeannie's paintings are fun, whimsical and vibrant.

Sims-West has big plans for the gallery, and if last night's success is a sample of how Nancy throws a  party, the historic square is in for some fun! Nancy is making connections with many area artists in preparation for upcoming shows. The Somerset Ridge Painters will be showing there in September!

Nancy and her two sons made their guests feel welcome and comfortable as they greeted people . The food was catered by Donna Nagle, owner of Molly's Table, a neighbor right there on the square. The artichoke dip was outstanding!
The wine was from  Dennis and Cindy Reynolds' Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery, Miami County's premier winery.
If you missed the opening, never fear. The show will be hanging through August. Please drop by The Tortoise Gallery to meet Nancy and see the colorful paintings  of Jeannie Foster. The gallery is located on the south side of the square at 5 West Wea, Paola. By the way, there is a coffee bar in the gallery and if you are lucky, you may be served by two cute barista's, Nancy's sons.