Parklane Gallery is celebrating 20 years in downtown Kirkland with a birthday event on June 24.

Parklane Gallery got its start in 1991 at 145 Park Lane. Not long after opening its doors, the original gallery owner bowed out giving his artists the option to take over the lease.

Ross Nicoll and Norm Bergsma assumed the lease and the artist-owned gallery that is still in business today opened its doors in downtown Kirkland on June 20, 1991, with 12 member artists. In 1993, a larger space across the street at Parklane Gallery’s current location became available and the move was made to 130 Park Lane. No need to worry about changing the name!

Parklane currently has 37 member artists, all of whom help in the daily operation of the gallery. Did you know that every time you walk in the door at Parklane, you meet one of the Parklane artists? Everything from installing the art, to sweeping the sidewalk, to manning the gallery – Parklane artists are all participants in the life and livelihood of the gallery and the community of businesses in downtown Kirkland.

Artists come and go at Parklane. For some, it is a stepping stone to higher aspirations, for others it is a group environment of friendship and networking that becomes like family, and to others it is an enduring location — a second home to hang your art right in the heart of downtown Kirkland. In fact, Nicoll still maintains a studio space in the back of the gallery and hangs his art every month at Parklane.

From Nicoll’s mural art seen around the city to community service involvement, Parklane Gallery has remained a vibrant part of the downtown Kirkland art scene for 20 years.

The public is invited to celebrate 20 years in downtown Kirkland with a birthday party to be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 24. Throughout the day, Parklane Gallery will be serving birthday cake to all who visit.

Beginning at 6 p.m., festivities will include an interactive painting project (let your inner artist speak), musical entertainment, light refreshments, a raffle, and the opportunity to say “hi” to Ross Nicoll and all the other artists at Parklane Gallery.

During the month of June, Parklane Gallery will feature “An Artful Birthday Surprise” rolling back prices 20 years with an all-artist show of art priced at $100.