GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – A local nonprofit is giving artists a new place to create and connect.

The group Artists Helping Artists (AHA) is opening its new gallery just off Main Street in downtown Havana.

The Havana storefront has dozens of art pieces from fused glass to beadwork, all made by artists in the Big Bend. The group started nearly seven years ago as a cooperative gallery, a place for local artists to show and sell their work.

Now, about 16 artists from Leon, Gadsden and Thomas counties are actively showing their pieces there.

For artist Dianne Cleveneger, joining was a practical decision that turned into something more.

“I did it because I was running out of space in my house with my paintings, and needed somewhere to display them to get rid of a few, as opposed to just giving them away,” Cleveneger said.

She brought her quilts in first, but when the gallery needed smaller items for a holiday pop-up, she started making potholders and bowl cozies.

She says the best part is the people behind the non-profit.

“When you’re in an artistic environment, it just makes everything flow better. You get better ideas. It’s an energizing experience,” Cleveneger said.

As part of a sweat-equity membership, the artists involved don’t just hang their work and walk away but also work shifts behind the counter.

Jody Winter makes pewter ornaments, wall hooks and suncatchers. She says the gallery offers something different: a chance to connect directly with the people buying her work.

“It’s always such a thrill when somebody likes your stuff. It’s just an affirmation that you’re doing the right stuff,” Winter said.

Artist Judith Pennington, who’s been an artist for nearly 50 years, said the gallery has also changed how she sells her work, from word-of-mouth commissions to face-to-face conversations with customers.

“I’ve been known to weep if somebody bought a picture from me. It makes your heart feel. It really does,” Pennington said. “Having your artwork here, it’s a lot easier. You have a little bit more one-on-one with someone who’s looking at your artwork and admiring it.”

And she says seeing that appreciation in person never gets old.

AHA President Ann Kozeliski says the gallery is about more than just selling art.

“We have a camaraderie. We have a group of friends that we have developed; we can also help young up-and-coming artists, also midlife and later artists who may not have the confidence that they feel they need. They can come here in a carefully coordinated, comfortable environment. They can be mentored and just grow,” Kozeliski said.

The group is a registered nonprofit, and every piece sold puts money directly back into artists’ pockets. The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays right now, with a grand opening set for Halloween.

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