Diane Reis, president of the Palette of Roses Art League, addresses attendees at the grand opening of the Rose City Art Gallery and Gifts. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

More than six decades of artistic passion have culminated in the grand opening of the Rose City Art Gallery and Gifts, a vibrant new space that showcases the legacy of the Palette of Roses Art League (PORAL).

The occasion, held Wednesday afternoon, also unveiled the exterior mural by local artist Brent Hale.

“We took the time to dedicate the mural to the City of Tyler and all the artists that have gone before us,” said Diane Reis, president of the Palette of Roses Art League.

The art league was founded in 1952 by a group of artists who sought to educate, connect and celebrate local talent through a series of programs and exhibitions.

“The vision (for the gallery) originally started back in the ‘60s when the art league was looking for a location,” Reis said. “And over the past year, we kind of tossed around the idea of trying to find a space and see if we could raise funds to make that happen.”

In June, photography artist Amy Duquette, former owner of Studio Art Lounge, reached out to PORAL to inform them she would not be renewing her lease and to inquire if they were interested in the space.

“Right away we gathered our board to show the idea of making this happen, then called together about 20 artists to discuss the opportunity,” Reis said. “Sixteen of them stepped forward, willing to pay the rent and utilities so that we can make this vision a reality.”

Inside the Rose City Art Gallery is a collection of celebrated artists in East Texas.

“Our gallery represents our league,” Reis said. “We’ve got artists of all different levels and types of work that they do. It’s a celebration of all of that work and it’s a collective of artists and it gives our community an opportunity to see what is available here in East Texas — the talent that’s here.”

The gallery offers more than just visual art displayed on walls; it features wearable pieces, including stunning jewelry that showcases artistic craftsmanship. “We (also) have a leather worker that designs purses and hats,” Reis said.

In August, the gallery hosted a soft opening and since then artists have “come out of the woodwork,” Reis said.

“It’s very exciting,” she said. “We’ve had another 25 artists join the league, so we’re over 200.”

While the gallery was being brought to life inside with displays of local talent, Hale adorned the exterior with a stunning mural, showcasing the creativity that defines the space.

“It’s abstract, yet it incorporates some realistic elements,” Hale said. “We wanted to create something that represents both art and Tyler, but there wasn’t a strict plan. I started with the background as my main design, which was somewhat random. Then, as we progressed, we realized we wanted to emphasize the connection to art a bit more.”

He began the mural process by photographing the building and sketching ideas back at his office, carefully considering window placements and overall design. He typically enlarges his sketches using a projector or creates a paper pattern, which he perforates to transfer the design onto the wall using charcoal dust. This method allows him to accurately outline the mural before painting. All in all, it took him about a month to complete the mural.

Hale, a local illustrator, designer and mural painter, is also the artist behind the mosaics at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center.

Reis said it took six weeks to raise the funds needed for the mural, thanks to a few key supporters who believed in the vision. Several artists contributed by donating 10-by-10 art pieces, which were sold for $100 each to help fund the project, while additional individuals also invested in the initiative.

“I think people were initially hesitant about the project, not realizing its potential impact on both our community and the gallery,” Reis said. “Now, every day I see new visitors who tell me they found us because of the mural. That’s incredibly exciting… it’s so visible that when I give directions, I always say, ‘You can’t miss it.’ And really, with such a fabulous piece, you truly can’t.”

Eventually, Reis hopes to have a mural that wraps around the entire building, creating a captivating visual experience that engages the community from all angles.

“I think we’re at the corner or the edge of what the city is working on designating for the cultural district,” Reis said. “So being right here by the Caldwell (Arts Academy), which is an arts magnet school, it really helps emphasize the beauty of the art.”

Reis hopes the gallery will attract the community and spark curiosity about the rich talented artists rooted in East Texas.

“Our hope is to create a magnet for the culture and the arts right here in our little square of the plaza, this corner of town, especially as things are going to be changing downtown and the construction happening,” Reis said. “We want people to know that there are still great things to do and see in downtown… so we really want to be the anchor for that.”

The gallery also serves as a teaching space, offering a full lineup of classes for aspiring artists. Those interested in taking classes or joining the league can visit the website at paletteofrosesartleague.org for more information.

“I think (the Palette of Roses Art League) is a great organization,” Hale said. “It’s exciting to see so many people getting involved, as it offers fantastic opportunities for artists. It’s also helping Tyler become more of an art center, which is wonderful. Everyone is touched by art in various ways — some good, some not so great — but you know, everybody is always affected by art.”

The Rose City Art Gallery, located at 328 S. College Ave. in Tyler, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.