Long Gallery + Studios is packing it in for a bigger and better opportunity.

Penticton artist Jenny Long, who is best known as an abstract expressionist, announced on Feb. 26 that the art gallery, located at 374 Main St., is expanding to include her new partnership with Carla O’Bee to become the BeeLong Contemporary Gallery, Artist Studios & Makers Shop.

To celebrate the expansion and partnership, the artists are hosting an opening night at the gallery on Mar. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will feature music by DJ Spill, door prizes, beverages from Cannery Brewing Co. and Da Silva Vineyards & Winery and more.

“Newly renovated for the expansion, BeeLong will present nine rotating new shows a year in the gallery including Jenny and Carla’s work, and that of studio, local and visiting artists,” states a press release. “(It will also feature) workshops and classes for all levels of learning in the teaching space and handcrafted Canadian goods in the new makers shop.”

According to Long, Long Gallery + Studios opened two years ago and she is excited to join forces with O’Bee to bring it to “the next level.” O’Bee is also known for her abstract work as well as handmade creations.

Related: Video: New Penticton studio is a playground for creative types

“Carla brings to this partnership a complimentary vision that highlights the makers-movement that is upon us,” states Long in the release. “As well as being a painter, Carla is an accomplished jeweller herself and brings her connections to our makers shop. And, as qualified teachers, who love to facilitate people’s creative learning, we will both be teaching classes as well as working in our studios.”

O’Bee added, “I am beyond thrilled to be partnering with Jenny in this inspiring artistic space. I am especially pleased that we have expanded the gallery space for bigger shows and to be adding the makers shop.”

This is Penticton’s second makers space, including the recently opened Idea Forge Maker Studio, located in the basement of the Shatford Centre. According to O’Bee, “there is a strong makers movement that is on the uprising.”

“BeeLong is all about inclusivity and supporting diverse voices found in visual arts. Stimulating our minds with news ways of looking at things, or reusing materials in new ways (up-cycling) is what we are all about,” states the release. “This is not a pretentious space, we all ‘belong’ here!”

Five residential artists will be joining Long and O’Bee in creating and selling artwork out of the studios. The gallery will be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment.

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