An Okotoks artist is making her biggest dreams a reality, right in the heart of the Foothills.

Local artist Kari Martin, has taught classes in other studios and also features her pieces in area studios.  Now she going to do her own thing, in her own place, in High River.

Martin is opening a modern art gallery in High River called Splattered Inc. that will feature art of all mediums including music, literature and coffee.

Splattered Inc will be located in 'A River Ran Through It Cafe' in High River. which Martin says, allows for it to be a hot spot in the town with offerings for everyone, and all ages.

"Everything will be run out of the gallery, all the lessons and classes including the ones for the kids. We'll have photography classes, some summer camps going on, and I'll even have some mini classes set up for mum and dad's with tots where they can hang out in the cafe and have coffee and I will teach and make a mess with the kids."

She shares her plans for the space will make this a modern gallery revival.

"I've had studios in the past, but opening a gallery has always been a big dream of mine.  I would be able to take submissions, keep doing lessons, and have it all on my own instead of me submitting to other galleries, that has always been my goal." Martin shares, "I love working with kids and specially teens, and I do have a background in Art Therapy so that will be offered as well"

Martin plans to run Art Therapy through the gallery as well, she says it's an under-represented medium in the Foothills, that has a lot to offer those looking for coping strategies for any reason.

"Therapy kind of goes hand and hand with art. Being able to put everything down on a canvas and being able to express yourself is my main thing with art." Martin says it works because it's creative.  "You can let kids, adults and teens just throw however they're feeling all at once, onto paper."

This new gallery will also give the creative youth in High River a place to hang out and experience other mediums in the Loiter Zone. A specific teen only area of the gallery where youth can experience and play with graffiti in a non vandalism manner.

Splattered Inc's grand opening party takes place on June 22nd from 6-9 P.M.

There will be live entertainment, food and beverages provided.

For more information click here.