The holidays have been especially busy this year for Lori and Gary Thompson. The couple moved to Willow Glen over Thanksgiving weekend, then opened a fine art gallery Dec. 7 within walking distance from their new home.

Located at 1345 Lincoln Ave., Reflections Elegante Fine Art Gallery is a co-op representing 31 artists from the Bay Area, Monterey, Fresno, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and Southern California. The gallery also reps artists are from Texas, New York and Colorado. Each artist pays a monthly and annual membership fee to have their artwork shown and sold.

“We decided on the co-op concept so the artists would feel a form of ownership to their involvement in the success of their artwork as well as the success of the gallery,” said Lori Thompson. “The co-op creates a team involvement.”

The artwork at Reflections reflects the large number of artists who are part of the cooperative. The gallery features paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture, with price points for both collectors and more casual art appreciators.

Artists are chosen based on the originality, quality and professionalism of their work. The gallery will feature rotating exhibitions, eight of which are planned in tandem with Willow Glen Business Association events.

An artist herself, Lori Thompson has made oil portraits, acrylic landscapes, photographs and illustrations. Thompson is also the publicity director for the Salinas Valley Art Association and a board member for the Los Gatos Art Association, the San Luis Obispo Art Museum, the Santa Cruz Art League and the Tahoe Art League. Additionally, she is the author of a children’s book series, an award-winning screenplay and a murder mystery.

Gary Thompson is a retired architectural engineering manager. He worked for the city of San Jose on many projects related to city buildings, including community centers and fire stations. He also was involved in parks and landscaping projects.

Lori Thompson said being able to walk to work is indicative of why she and her husband chose to open their gallery on Lincoln Avenue.

“Willow Glen has an amazing amount of foot traffic,” Lori Thompson said. “The community and businesses are extremely welcoming, supportive, and have communicated the type of gallery they would like to have available with diversity and fine art.”.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon-7 p.m. For more information, visit https://reflectionselegantegallery.com