Friday was an important day for ArtsRevive and the future of downtown Selma. That’s because the new Gallery 905 opened after months of hard work.

The new gallery, named for its address at 905 Water Avenue, will feature nearly 30 artists from across the Southeast.

It was encouraging to see a great turnout for the gallery’s opening day Friday. There were people there when the gallery opened, and they continued to trickle in as the day progressed.

A locally-made piece of art makes a perfect present for the holidays.

While most people are rushing to buy the latest electronic gadget, having a one-of-a-kind piece of art is really a special gift, something that nobody else has. The pieces begin for under $50 and go up from there.

Please consider giving the gallery a shot as you shop for that hard to please person on your list. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We really want people to shop locally. If people can start here and start small and shop Selma, then we keep our money in town which is critical to our economy,” said gallery manager Becky Youngblood.

The gallery and other renovations are key to the future of Water Avenue. ArtsRevive has a grand vision for downtown Selma and are working hard to make that dream a reality.

The organization is in the middle of a $1 million capital campaign to fund a cultural arts district that will include the gallery as well as space for artists to work and teach.