One gallery’s closing inspires another’s opening

When Julie and Mike Christiansen announced they were closing Mercantile Plaza, a downtown Port Washington art gallery and community space, in September to retire, many of the artists whose works were sold there asked each other where they could take their wares.

Not Kay Kasun. 

“I just thought I’ll open my own gallery,” Kasun said.

She and fellow artist Martha Derocher did just that, opening Art Perspective at 226 E. Main St., in the space formerly occupied by Locally Inspired in the Port Washington Harbor Center.

The women — who had not only displayed and sold their work at Mercantile Plaza but also volunteered as staff members there — were encouraged by the Christiansens, who had approached them to see if they were interested in carrying on their legacy and served as the women’s mentors.

As they pursued the idea, the women were stunned to discover no one discouraged them.

“When we threw these ideas out to people, no one said, ‘Don’t do it. You’re crazy,’” Kasun said. 

That’s due, in part, they said, to the fact the Christiansens had proven Port is ready for a space like theirs, Kasun and Derocher said.

“They certainly demonstrated that there’s an appetite for fine arts here,” Derocher said.

Port, they said, is becoming a destination for the arts, with a number of artists calling the city home and shops that feature the work of artists.

“We’re not stepping on their toes but creating something different,” Kasun said. “I see Port becoming a place people stop to see the art on their way to Door County to see the art.”

One of the big challenges facing the women was paring down the selection of art they carry.

“It was a matter of taking 5,000 square feet (at Mercantile Plaza) to 1,300 square feet (at Art Perspective),” Kasun said.

The gallery, which opens onto Port’s north slip marina, has items from about 20 artists working in media that include glass, watercolor, oil and acrylics, metalsmithing, ceramics and encaustic for sale at a variety of prices. 

“We want you to have a beautiful piece of original art in your apartment or home,” Kasun said. 

The space is bright and airy, giving the art room to speak to customers.

“We don’t want it to feel overwhelming,” Derocher said. “We want it to be intentional.”

At the east end of the gallery is a wall easel in a space they each plan to use to create their art.

“We think people do enjoy watching artists,” Derocher said.

“Art is interactive,” Kasun added.

They plan to have artists staff the store — in exchange, the gallery takes a smaller commission on their works when they sell — noting it adds to the ambience.

“People love interacting with artists in general,” Kasun said. 

“And we like talking about art as much as we like making it,” Derocher said.  

Opening the gallery now allows them to capitalize on the holiday shopping season while preparing for the tourist season to come in 2026, they said, adding they will hold a grand opening in spring.

“This is phase one,” Kasun said, noting they finished the build out of the gallery last Wednesday and held a soft opening on Saturday.

The second phase, they said, will include adding the works of more artists and planning winter classes — everything from sip and paint events to “elevated lesson plans.”

And when the weather allows, they said, they envision holding some classes on the deck outside, noting the waterfront provides plenty of inspiration.

Kasun, who lives in Port, and Derocher, a Cedarburg resident, are both painters who have studios at the Arts Mill in Grafton — Derocher is the director there and Kasun a member of the board — who became fast friends after meeting two years ago.

“We have very different perspectives on art,” Kasun said.  

“Our styles are very different, too,” Derocher said.

Kasun works in oils, creating realistic and still-life pieces, and enjoys plein air painting.

“I tend to be very saturated in my colors,” she said. “I tend to approach things from unique angles.”

Derocher said she works in a lot of mediums but most enjoys using texture with acrylics. 

“I’m one extreme or another,” in terms of color choice, she said. “Neutrals or bold.”

They became friends while working at the Arts Mill, and the women said they hope Art Perspective will serve as a place where people come together, noting the space will be available for private events such as bridal showers, small parties and business meetings.

“It does feel like we’re creating a community,” Kasun said. “You build these relationships and that’s half the fun.”

Art Perspective is their passion project, the women said.

“I’ve dreamt about having a gallery for a long time,” Derocher said.  “I never really thought it would happen. 

“It might take you longer than you think, but don’t give up on your dreams.”