The VALA Gallery is an artist's cooperative supporting visual, audio, literary artists. Our mission is to provide space for artists in transition to work, perform and exhibit. Allowing artists of all ages and media a safe place to take work to take risks while supporting the Johnson County Community and local businesses. 

Emancipation, Beyond Bounds/GLOW (Ruby Red), Oil on Canvas, 40"x30"", 2009

James and Deanna Lutz pose with Thieme holding their new painting, Emancipation

"The Nermans and the Oppenheimers are our Royal Families. I am in awe of their generosity and all they have done for students, artists and a community hungry for a contemporary cultural mecca". P. Thieme

October 24, 2009, Thieme poses with Jerry and Margaret Nerman in front of her painting at the

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Beyond Bounds GLOW Photo by Tina Cervantes

Thieme met the Oppenheimers, Nermans, and Mary Davidson-Cohen while photographing the Pre-Opening Gala for Jewish Life Magazine and Sun Publications in October 2007. This was a defining moment for her artistically and the inspiration for her artist's cooperative/Gallery, VALA Gallery, (The Alternate Space) in Johnson County. Two years later, she poses with Tony and Marti Oppenheimer in front of her painting, Emancipation

BEYOND BOUNDS • GLOW is a benefit for the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art celebrating Johnson County Community College’s 40th (Ruby) anniversary. More than 115 regional, national and international artists using special ruby red mediums will participate in live and silent auctions. The event will be held Saturday, October 24th, 2009 at 7 p.m.

VALA GALLERY/The Alternate Space (SM)

Special Thanks to our Sponsors for making it possible for us to continue bringing Art & Community together in Johnson County. Our primary mission is to provide artists of all media a space to transition to the next level artistically while providing the community with a unique cultural experience. The VALA Gallery was born out of my own need for studio space and recognizing the needs of other artists in transition.  We are a work in progress unlike anything in this area.  We are still in great need of services and finances to help support local artists. To become a sponsor, volunteer or make donations to our Visual/Audio/Literary/Artists Alternate Space Please use the contact page

or email me directly at pennythieme@me.com

American National Now Owns Valley View Shopping Center. 

Thank you Varnum Armstrong & Deeter for working with us on our space this last year and making it possible for us to support our community.  

 We would like to provide photography services and photo albums to cancer and hospice families through our own donations of time and resources. It is my goal for Familiar Faces to enlist the support of the community through sponsorship, fundraising and donations so we can reach more families in need. If you know a family in need or would like to make a donation please contact us through the contact page of our website.

We will gladly work with other oraganizations on special projects and fundraisers.

With every photojournalism or event assignment there are a number of amazing shots that are never seen. We make private online galleries for those associated with the event to access images for online viewing and purchasing.

10% of online gallery print sales from our freelance work will support charities throughout the year. Events we have supported include but are not limited to: Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Light the Night (KC, STL, Quad Cities), LLS Black Tie Ball, Breakfast with the Champions, Cocktail Party at the Montgomery’s, Blue Valley High School After Prom, BAD (Bikers Against Diabetes), Real Bikers Wear Pink, Lee Denim Day, Beheadstrong, and C.A. Hospice.

If you would like a percentage of the online print sales from your event, contact us though our website to discuss options. Otherwise, it will automatically be donated to benefit cancer families or The Leukemia Lymphoma Society in honor of my parents who died from Lymphoma and Lung Cancers.