Gretel Rutledge, one of the six founding members of the gallery, said the event was meant to showcase the growth of the group since its inception.

“We are just professionalizing more and more. Each year we have grown, expanded and increased our membership,” Rutledge said. “We are getting more well-known in the community and thriving, which is great, especially through these rough financial times.”

People who visit the gallery can observe and purchase hand made soaps, paintings, jewelry, weaving and hand-painted fabric.

Deb Cholewicki, the gallery’s manager, said what makes the studio so interesting is that it’s one of the few galleries that allows people from the community to come in and see the different stages of their work.

“We are not a typical, traditional gallery, and we love that,” Cholewicki said. “It’s relaxed and comfy, and members of the community actually get to speak with the artists. We are very organic and there’s a great energy here. And people pick up on that.”

The business’ new logo, designed by Stephen Kachmar, was showcased on its updated signage. The logo, along with their tagline “Art in Progress,” speaks not just to the Grove Street location, but also to the working studios and the collaboration among the artists, who work cooperatively to meet gallery needs and continually inspire each other, members said.

“I think artists are very adaptive creatures by nature because they are extremely self-driven and optimistic,” said Barbara Hranilovich, who has been a member of the gallery since January. “We want this place to work, so we make it work.”

East Lansing Councilmember Kathleen Boyle attended the event and said her favorite piece was “Nightfall” by Boisali Biswas, a guest artist at the gallery. She said she was excited to support artwork created locally.

“I’m an artist appreciator,” Boyle said. “I really wanted to come to the celebration.”

The gallery’s normal hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.