Originally built in 1910, the Orchard House Gallery was once a simple four-room farmhouse that was purchased by Ruth and Poly Baker some time in the 1940′s. The house underwent an extensive remodel in 1980 when the kitchen, breezeway and 2-car garage were added. Then in 2009, the original woodwork and floors were restored, and both the exterior and interior of the house were painted.
The land where the farmhouse stands was mainly used for hay and pasture by the Bakers, who lived on a primary homestead located at the west end of Long Lake. The farmhouse was mostly rental property from the 1940′s to 1999.
The Gallery began in 1999, originally located in a small room behind the apple stand, and was named Acorn Artworks. Begun by Aunt Win and cousin Vicky, it was primarily used as a means to showcase family art, and was open on the weekends only.
In 2000, the Gallery moved to the main house and was renamed Orchard House Gallery. By now the showcase featured around 20 different artists, still mostly family members. In 2001, Win and her partner Kelly moved to Wisconsin and began meeting many local artists. Together, they founded Earth Arts in 2002, and began showing more local works in the Gallery.
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In June of 2003 the Gallery was opened each weekend of the summer, and through the month of October. Earth Arts began a local Arts tour that year as well, and Orchard House Gallery was one of the stops. Over 40 artists were on display.
Orchard House Gallery, once began as a small outlet for family artisans, quickly became a means of showcasing local and regional artists as Win and Kelly discovered the vast pool of talent in the area. Between 2003 and 2007, the Gallery operated on the weekends from June to October. In 2008, the Gallery was open during Apple Season on Fridays as well.
The Earth Arts Festival began in 2003 and ran through 2006. Now, since 2007 the annual festival is known as
The Baker Orchard Arts Festival.
