NOTHING'S THE MATTER AT MATTER >>>

If we can believe the readers who voted for Best of Olympia, Matter Gallery is the best gallery in the capitol city, and now they have the best art gallery website in the region. Matter owner Jo Gallaugher has very recently put up the gallery's new website here (matteroly.com).

Matter is into DIY, so naturally when Gallaugher decided she needed an online presence she did it herself. She used a DIY site-building template, but it doesn't look like it was made from a template. Credit her taste in art and the quality of art in her gallery for the nice looking layout and visual appeal. (Also credit 3DCart by InfoMart 2000.)

Matter's clever tagline or motto is "where art and sustainability hang together." All art in the gallery is made from recycled materials. "We are a contemporary, fine art gallery featuring artworks from over 100 artists using recycled and reclaimed materials," says matteroly.com. "While we hope your online experience is enjoyable, please know that we are happy to help via telephone or email. If you have questions about an artwork or artist, need help buying a gift, or want to learn about artworks we have on the way, send email or give us a call!"

Navigation of the site is straightforward and simple. You can search a drop-down menu for artists, or you can search by categories including functional art, lighting, furniture, housewares, gifts, sculpture, and so forth. When you click on thumbnails of any of the artworks to see them larger you also get details such as size and materials - and price, of course.

There is some great sculpture by don Freas. I particularly like his piece called Balance. There's a large sculpture by Marsha Glaziere made from old mattress springs and some great funky lamps by Pat Tassoni and funny figures by Nancy Chambers. There are even some Pill bookends by Brian White made with reclaimed air tanks. Take a look at these and many more. Better yet, drop by the gallery on Fifth Avenue in Oly and see the actual pieces.

You can purchase art from the website, but I highly recommend also seeing the art "in the flesh.

[Matter, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Sunday - Tuesday, 113 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia, 360.943.1760]