SANDPOINT — A black bear stands tall, greeting those who enter the Ava Mae Gallery of Fine Art and Antiques.

Not to worry, however, the mount is one of the items for sale in the gallery, along with a selection of western paintings and bronzes, American art pottery, Maxfield Parrish illustrations and a variety of antiques.

The collection also includes some local photography and artwork.

The new downtown gallery is owned by Steven and Terry Thorp, and managed by Joe Schafer of Sagle. Schafer said they decided to open the gallery after the Thorps purchased the building.

“He had excess art and I had excess art, so it looked like a chance where we could move some things along, and also offer that service to the public,” Schafer said. “If somebody has a piece of pre-owned art that they don’t have a spot for any more, we take consignments of higher quality pieces.”

Their other goal is to get local artists involved. Schafer is currently the local artist featured in the gallery with his fused glass artwork. Schafer said he became interested in glass art in the 1970s when he learned how to create stained glass. He began “playing around” with fused glass in the 1990s, he said.

The room that now houses his work will be reserved for single showings, or multiple if there is room, featuring local artwork.

The Thorps own property in Sagle, as well as in Steamboat Springs, Colo., Schafer said. In addition to owning property and business in Colorado, the Thorps own several properties in the area, Schafer said. Their involvement in the community, he said, includes hosting the Panhandle Alliance for Education gala at their lake house.

Schafer said a grand opening will be scheduled after the couple returns from Colorado with more artwork.

In the meantime, he said, they are open five days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. The gallery is located at 109 First Ave.

Schafer said he is available at the gallery on Saturdays for anyone interested in consignment or selling any artwork or antiques.

For information, email avamaegallery@gmail.com or call 208-263-4440.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.