WELLS — Richard Whitney has always enjoyed art, and has a deep respect for those who create it. In 2012, he began construction on an art gallery where New England artists can showcase their work. The Whitney Galleries opened its doors in 2013, and resumed regular hours for the 2016 season on Thursday.

The gallery, located at 1810 Post Road, offers art in a variety of mediums, including oil, watercolor, drawings, pastels, prints, fine photography, wood carving, unique pottery, stained glass and sculptures.

Its mission is to provide a platform where artists can showcase their work in a creative environment and host events that will enhance viewers’ lives by exposing them to a variety of artistic messages.

“Southern Maine is really very populous with artists, so the first few weeks, I received 25 to 30 calls from local artists looking to put their work in our gallery,” said Whitney. “I grew up visiting exhibits in New York, where the industry is cutthroat and dirty, but our exhibit here in New England gives artists a chance to present their work in a setting that is more laid back.”

The inner decor of the building has a homey feel, with paintings lining the walls of the original 1764 post-and-beam house. Artwork hangs in three large rooms, and is grouped by artist to show viewers the variety of media in which they work.

“I have a strong interest in art, but an even stronger interest in finding the talented people who embody creativity,” said Whitney. “I respect their talents just like a musician who can really sing or play. All creative expression is astounding to me.”

Most of the artists whose work is exhibited are from New England, though some from Pennsylvania have also been featured. Whitney usually meets with an artist before deciding whether his or her style will work at the gallery.

If he thinks an artist will appeal to the gallery’s clientele, he chooses three to five pieces to display. It costs nothing for artists to display their work. If a piece sells, the gallery collects a commission.

“Everything is on consignment, so if we sell it, the percentage that the gallery takes is fairly competitive and more reasonable than a lot of the other galleries,” he said. “In the process of deciding on a piece of work, I have to remember that the art should be an expression of the positive side of what our planet and life is about.”

Whitney is always looking for undiscovered original work by talented but struggling artists. Artists who are showcased have at some point experimented with different subject matter, style and media.

This year, Whitney plans to bring back a partnership exhibit that features three artists working in conjunction with scientists on the coast of Maine. The theme focuses on conditions of the Gulf of Maine and surrounding ecosystems, and is meant to draw attention to the impact society has on the environment.

“Some of the work you may see here is quite off the wall. There are so many mediums and grouped galleries that you never know what you’re going to see when you walk in the door,” said Whitney.

“I like to emphasize the beauty of people’s expressions when they see the environment and they see life in a positive way. There is so much negativity going on in the world, and when people come in here, they will see a lot of beautiful things.”

For more information, visit thewhitneygalleries.com or call 216-9022.