Our Story

What started in 1979 as a university student's senior project has blossomed into a hub for passionate artists and community members. Our story reflects the ups and downs of the landscape that surrounds us, but we’ve always maintained a focus on community throughout our 45+ years.

Always Local

In 1979, UW-Platteville art student Robert Turrell started the gallery in Rountree Hall on the college’s campus.

Around 1992, the gallery was funded and given space by the City of Platteville, until 2016, when the gallery parted ways with the City. Gallery operations continued by way of a collaboration with Platteville Library to host exhibits and classes.

Thankfully, the gallery found a new home in 2018: 120 W Main Street, where we reside today. We also retain a secondary exhibit space at the Platteville Library, which is home to our permanent collection.

Rountree Gallery Previous location Old Rock School above the original Mining Museum

A Collective for Community

It’s always been about bringing people together. Through exhibits and a host of events — not to mention third-party gatherings such as the winter farmers market — the influence of our gallery ripples outward.

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Poised for What’s Ahead

In the fall of 2025, we took on the ambitious task of redefining Rountree Gallery. We’re excited to move forward as Ripple Artspace, bringing a fresh look and feel along with the same passion for art and community that we’ve always led with.