Spokane Valley-based artist Sandra Hilson recently opened her own gallery in 800 square feet of space at 9011 E. Euclid, in Millwood.

The work of the 68-year-old abstract artist is as diverse as her life’s experience. Previously she worked as a communications officer in the Grant County Courthouse, and for the last 30 years, she’s earned a living running her other business, Hilson Janitorial.

While the bucket and mop cleaned the floors and paid the bills, the brush and paint allowed her heart and mind to explore other places inside herself.

Through her mother, Dolores, Hilson began painting decades ago.

“I painted off and on for a long time,” she says. “At one point, we even developed our own recipe acrylics that gives off a 3-D effect. I’ve been using it ever since.”

The responsibilities of life, however, which included being a single parent, more often than not eroded disposable time that could’ve been dedicated to painting.

Then, within the last decade, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and is now a survivor. Not long after her cancer was declared in remission, she decided to launch the gallery.

“Life’s too short not to pursue your dream,” Hilson says. “I felt like this was my best chance to do this.”

Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

Hilson’s artwork is on display, but she’s also got another approach in mind for the business.

“I’m reaching out to people who want art custom designed for their homes,” she says. “The same painting can look very different in two different homes.”

And while one may not want specially designed artwork for the home, Hilson has the ability to custom design purses and handbags from her previously painted works.

More than anything, Hilson says she just wanted to create a space where people could come in, have a seat, view her work, and not say word if they choose not.

“The coffee is always on,” she says.