Wenaha Gallery to Close September 30

By Carolyn Henderson

Special to the Dayton Chronicle

DAYTON–They had a dream that they worked together to fulfill–and they did.

Twenty-nine years ago, Ed Harri (who grew up in Dayton) and his wife Pat launched the Wenaha Gallery at 219 East Main Street. The couple, who both loved art, decided to share that love with Ed’s hometown by opening up an art and framing gallery in 1993.

Though the Harri’s lived in Salem, Ore., they hired excellent associates who kept in daily contact with them. Ed and Pat also drove regularly from Oregon to Washington to be in the gallery in person and connect with their clients, customers, and community members. Through the couple’s hard work and dedication, the gallery became a success, and even after Ed’s sudden death in March 2020, Pat kept the gallery going and thriving.

Through the years, Wenaha Gallery has showcased original artwork by talented artists from throughout the Pacific Northwest, as well as art prints from nationally known names such as Howard Terpning, James Christensen, Alan Bean, and more. The gallery also custom frames everything from artwork to wedding invitations, from college diplomas to 3-D shadow boxes of military medals and decorations.

Many people’s walls are brighter and happier because of Ed and Pat.

But all things have their time and season, and Wenaha Gallery, after 29 years of meeting people’s need and desire for art–paintings, pottery, framing, jewelry, wooden boxes, greeting cards, more–is closing September 30.

“When Ed passed away two-and-a-half years ago, I was determined to continue to move forward on the path we started in 1993,” Pat says.

“With the dedication of talented staff, I have been able to do that. Surprisingly, 2020, 2021, and this year have been wonderful years for sales and interaction with art lovers–I look upon that as a tribute to Ed, as people sought out art as a means to find peace and hope.

“But there is a time for everything and I believe that it is now time for me to retire and spend more time with my family. The past two years have taught me just how important that is.

“September 30, 2022, will be our last day of this most rewarding and beloved journey. Until then, the staff and I plan to continue to provide the same level of commitment and service as we have in the past. We are grateful to you for your support and confidence.”

Although the doors of the gallery will close in Dayton at the end of September, framer Savonnah Henderson, soon to be Savonnah Fouts, will continue to offer framing services after that time. More information on that will be provided in the coming months.