Galleri 2

Have you ever seen a piece of art that has felt the cold embrace of space? Well, you can answer a resounding "yes" to this question after a visit to Gallery 2 in Stamsund. The gallery was established in 1999 by the artist couple Vebjørg Hagene and Scott Thoe, and is located in a more than 100-year-old laundry at the Hurtigruten quay in Stamsund. Nestled amongst breathtaking natural scenery, the founders sought to also bring attention to the creative and intriguing facets of human nature. Vebjørg and Scott have been thrilled to invite their large network of artistic peers to Lofoten. Throughout the year, Gallery 2 displays various exhibitions by internationally renowned artists from several countries. In addition, the gallery also contains a large collection of Vebjørg Hagene and Scott Thoe's own works. Textile artist Vebjørg's works mainly revolve around mankind – and the human condition throughout history – with a particular focus on colonialism and suppression. In 2007, Scott started a collaboration in connection with an art project for the Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø. This led to him becoming acquainted with astronaut Rex Waldheim, who offered to take a painting with him on the final voyage aboard the space shuttle "Atlantis". After having orbited Earth several times, the picture "The Dream of Atlantis" returned to Stamsund, and is now exhibited in Gallery 2. Scott Thoe is also known for his mural displayed at the shipyard hall in Ballstad, and for the "Peace Bridge" project; a concept that would see the construction of a bridge between Germany and Poland, consisting of 43,000 discarded tanks. A model is on display at the gallery, standing at several metres long. Did you know... ... the "Peace Bridge" project brought Mikhail Gorbachev to Lofoten in the 1990s? Gallery 2 is located just off the Hurtigruten quay in Stamsund - a lovely place to take the kids for a day out. Amongst other things, they can draw a parrot from which they can make their own t-shirt. In addition, it can be fun for the little ones to watch Vebjørg Hagene Thoe as she weaves a nine square meter work this summer. Stamsund is an authentic fishing village with countless hiking opportunities, all of which are sure to take your breath away. Seven kilometres from Stamsund you will find Lofoten Wool where you can encounter wild sheep and purchase authentic and unique wool products.