In January of each year, the Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts in Polson closes for “work days,” and this year gallery director Margery Christensen, along with gift shop director Denise Zemke, used the time to spruce up the space. Keeping the same gray palette, the duo spackled nail holes and then applied fresh paint, cleaned and renewed the lovely old wood floors, and added some additional shelves.

“Denise and I were the main folks,” Christensen said, although other members helped out, including Carla Martinson, “the tool lady,” who has all the tools and knows how to use them.

“We received a lot of input from new members about the flow,” Cristensen explained, so the remodeling effort opened up additional wall space.

Now large paintings and big art pieces hang all around the gallery, Visitors wander into niches and nooks to view art and then double back to stroll through the remainder of the gallery.

“It’s more of a maze,” Zemke said.” You have to go into places and explore.”

The art pieces are co-mingled with gift items throughout the space so patrons can view all the art the professional gallery has to offer. The window displays have changed, too, adding paintings and sculpture in addition to pottery and stained glass.

“We’ve tried to make things movable,” Cristensen said, “so the floor plan can change with the show.”

Matt Holmes, an art teacher at Polson High School, added casters to display pieces so they can be easily moved. Last year he built the media center, located at the rear of the gallery, which is home to books written by local authors.

“We’ve received all positive comments,” Zemke said, adding that one patron said the Sandpiper was now “an entire art gallery.”

The all-volunteer member artist cooperative was founded in 1971. This month five members joined the group, and another new member recently came on board who “is very tech savvy.”

“The Sandpiper is all over Facebook now, and Instragram,” Zemke said.

Christensen said the main thrust of the gallery’s mission is to encourage and promote the arts through scholarships, workshops, gallery exhibits, festivals, a library, and other resources. The gallery hosts two major events each summer, the Flathead Lake Festival of Art, July 22-23 at Sacajawea Park, and the Courthouse Art Festival, Aug. 12. Money raised is used for regional scholarships for young people from Lake and Sanders counties whose college major is art.

Scholarship applications are due May 1, and are available online at sandpiperartgalleryandgifts.com, via email at sandpiperartgallery306@gmail.com and from local high schools.

Now showing at the Sandpiper is The Last Best Place, an invitational show that’s on display through May 12. Featured artists are Nancy Zendra, acrylics; DeeDee Barbous, photography; and Mary Ann Eikens, sculpture and bronze. Also showing work by invitation are Alex Wright, acrylic paintings; Amanda Bilby, mixed media work; and Hamilton artist Barbara Liss, concrete sculptures.