Ketchum’s new experience for the community is The Parlor House. The Parlor House is a new gathering spot for artists and events, which will allow all to participate in playing music, experience art by emerging and established artists and convene with like-minded people as well as foster creativity. 

The Parlor House, on the corner of 151 Sun Valley Road at the corner of First Avenue, will have an open house on Friday, Dec. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. for Gallery Walk. In addition, accomplished filmmaker and Sun Valley resident DeSiree’ Fawn will have an outdoor screening at The Parlor House with her award-winning documentary film “The Phantom Wolves of Sun Valley” at 5:30 p.m.  

The idea of The Parlor House is the brainchild of Ryan Anderson and his brother Braden Jon Anderson, whose fine art modern terrariums will also be on exhibition and for sale as well as items by other local and emerging artists.

“It’s a new place and space that I think the valley has been waiting for,” said Ryan. “An ‘anti-art gallery’ of sorts, it’s a different dynamic that fits a missing puzzle piece to the Wood River Valley art scene.”

Ryan and Braden Anderson are brothers originally from Boise, Idaho. Braden a musician, mixed media and terrarium artist, event promoter and former Sun Valley bellman has been living in the valley for the past two and a half years after living in Los Angeles. 

Ryan is the new Sun Valley postmaster and is also an artist, musician and family man with a vision to unite with his brother and the community to create an active venue to help revive the spirit and heartbeat on the main thoroughfare for Sun Valley.

Originally built in the 1800s on Sun Valley Road, The Parlor House building and lot have seen many businesses come and go throughout the years. It was an auto shop, a T-shirt shop and a farmers’ market, but, mostly, it has remained empty and abandoned—a sad sight for a prominent block on Sun Valley Road, the main vein through town and in the heart of a dynamic resort community. 

Recently, Tom Teitge, a visionary and local artist, spruced up the space, outside and inside, during a short six-month stay before moving on to other ventures. It was at this moment when the Anderson brothers caught the vision and joined forces to help preserve the lot and create an alternative gallery space. Co-op studios, musician rehearsal and performance space, a venue to rent for public or private events, a public bonfire pit to warm up to, make s’mores and listen to local and touring musicians, a place for poetry readings, lessons or workshops and outdoor film screenings and a place to sip on hot chocolate and enjoy the camaraderie is now possible for all—a collaboration space for creative activity and joyful merriment.

The Parlor House will have weekly and monthly events, which will include instrument swaps, flea market events, open mic nights, bonfires and community gatherings. The Parlor House is also a rentable space for events, musicians and anyone who needs a space for studio and retail. In addition, the space is available for private parties, creative photo shoots and other needs.

“There’s a cultural shift going on in the areas of creativity and community,” Braden said. “There’s a need for an alternative activity and creative space. This is a work in progress. We can do something now, right here and we need support. Come to us. We want to hear your ideas and host your events.”

The Parlor House will launch a Kickstarter Campaign to obtain equipment and help make renovations for the building, which is in need of great repair. For more information and to make a donation, visit www.kickstarter.com/profile/theparlorhouse.

For more information on exhibition space, swaps, practice space, events, private parties, workshops and space rentals, email theparlorhouse@gmail.com, call 310-849-3411 or visit The Parlor House on http://www.facebook.com/theparlorhouse.