Afternoon sunlight washes the exhibit space at the SAGE Gallery in Bandon, prior to Sunday’s opening reception for artist Carol Peters. Contributed Photos

Through the multipaned windows of Bandon’s historic Port Building, the Coquille River sparkles like a promise. Light refracts off the water and spills into the second floor exhibit space of SAGE Gallery, an enterprise dedicated to the support of fine arts and crafts.

It’s a fortunate conjunction of public and private entities, and a partnership with historical legs. When the boat Twin Sisters sailed up the Coquille in 1859, it opened an outlet for commerce and cultural trade between inland and coast.

Now, thanks to robust initiatives and an energetic private sector, the 18-month-old SAGE Gallery thrives within the former Coast Guard building, and port managers have an inventive and industrious partner in gallery owner Anne Sobbota.

To strengthen the relationship between art and community is both a core value and a continuing goal for Sobbota. This dovetails nicely with the aims of the Port of Bandon, whose Web site states that the city has “survived the downturn of its three major support industries — logging, fishing, and cranberry production … due to the visionary and progressive development of its port facilities as a base for vacation recreation, sport fishing and nature conservancy in the Coquille River watershed.”

Sobbota’s tenancy of the Port Building has introduced residents and visitors to matchless views of the Coquille River Lighthouse, the busy waterway, and unique works of art. The gallery’s suite of rooms includes the wide exhibit space with its windows and highly polished, dark wood floors; a high-ceilinged classroom fitted out with worktables and equipment; and a well-stocked gift and art supply retail center.

On display in the main gallery, jewelry created by former Port of Bandon Manager Alex Linke underscores the bond between past and present. Linke grew up in Europe, where childhood discoveries such as shards of ancient pottery and 2,000 year old Roman trade beads sparked his imagination. Today, he shows his unique “Pieces of Time” jewelry crafted from such childhood treasures as fossil ivory.

Sobbota describes a “great working relationship with the port” that supports her drive to connect with this community. Together, they are exploring funding sources to expand her workshops with the goal of giving back to the people. Last year, Sobotta’s Living Wreath workshops over the Memorial Day weekend brought needed funds to the Family Support Services of the Oregon National Guard. Her participation at the 2008 Windfest was another happy product of their  partnership.

SAGE Gallery shows work by more than 80 artists, in a revolving format that includes bright, sun-washed walls and 10 beautiful wood and glass display cases acquired from the former Light Rain Gallery in Bandon. The schedule is filled with artist receptions, classes, and plans. The staff is ready, and the doors are open Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m., at 390 First St., upstairs at the Port of Bandon.

Teri Albert reviews art and artists for The World. Comments on or story ideas for this column can be e-mailed to malbert3@verizon.net.