Stoughton Artist Katherine Simdon Announces Sale of Overt Space Gallery, Embracing New Chapter
Katherine Simdon, a local artist in Stoughton, has announced her plans to sell the Overt Space Gallery + Gift. She has run the gallery for three years at 130 E. Main St., where she showcased her artwork and supported other local artists. This decision comes as a result of changes in her personal and professional life.
Simdon opened the gallery in 2021 to sell her art. She later included works from other artists, turning the shop into a hub for local creativity. She expressed joy in helping other artists by sending out monthly consignment checks.
Running the gallery has been demanding. Simdon often finds herself busy with customer interactions, ideation, and maintaining the space. Balancing the gallery with her family life has become challenging. She stated, “I love the gallery and what I’ve built, but I’ll never get this time back with my kids.”
What inspired Katherine Simdon to open the Overt Space Gallery + Gift?
Interview with Katherine Simdon, Local Artist and Owner of Overt Space Gallery + Gift
News Directory 3: Katherine, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Can you share what led to your decision to sell the Overt Space Gallery + Gift?
Katherine Simdon: Thank you for having me. This decision has been quite personal and complex. After running the gallery for three years, I’ve found it increasingly challenging to balance my responsibilities here with my family life. My children are growing up fast, and I want to make sure I’m present for them during these formative years. I love what I’ve built at the gallery, but I realise I won’t get this time back with them.
News Directory 3: It sounds like your family is a top priority for you. Can you reflect on the impact the gallery has had on the local artist community?
Katherine Simdon: Absolutely. I opened the gallery in 2021 to showcase my artwork, but it quickly evolved into a platform for other local artists as well. We’ve created a little hub of creativity here, and I take pride in being able to support and uplift my fellow artists through consignment sales. Sending out those monthly checks has been such a joy—helping others is what it’s all about.
News Directory 3: With the gallery being a busy space, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Katherine Simdon: Running a gallery demands a lot of energy—juggling customer interactions, curating new ideas, and maintaining the overall ambiance of the space can be exhausting. It requires almost constant attention. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that sometimes, something has to give in order to find balance. In this case, it’s become clear that my time with my kids is what I need to prioritize.
News Directory 3: What do you envision for the future of the Overt Space Gallery?
Katherine Simdon: I hope to find someone who shares my passion for promoting local creativity, ideally another artist who can continue this mission. The gallery’s lease goes until October 2025, but I’m hopeful to transition ownership well before then. I want whoever takes over to feel empowered to build on what we’ve created together.
News Directory 3: You have an upcoming event planned for Small Business Saturday. What can customers expect?
Katherine Simdon: Yes, we’re excited to celebrate Small Business Saturday as well as Stoughton’s Victorian Holiday Weekend! We’ll have store discounts and a festive atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity for our community to come together, support local businesses, and perhaps discover an early holiday gift. I want to assure our customers that this isn’t goodbye—it’s just the start of a new chapter, both for me and for the gallery.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Katherine. We look forward to following your journey and seeing what comes next for both you and the Overt Space Gallery.
Katherine Simdon: Thank you for this opportunity! I appreciate your support and the chance to share my story.
Looking ahead, Simdon plans to spend more time with her children and work on her own art projects. She is searching for someone to take over the gallery, ideally another artist who can continue promoting local creativity. The gallery’s lease runs until October 2025, but she hopes to find a new owner sooner.
Next weekend, the Overt Space will celebrate Small Business Saturday and Stoughton’s Victorian Holiday Weekend with store discounts. Simdon reassures her customers, “This isn’t goodbye — it’s just a new chapter.”