The Washington Street Artists’ Cooperative has received official word from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that it is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Co-op is classified as a public charity under Code section 509 (a) (2).

The determination means that contributions to the Co-op are deductible and the co-op is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests or gifts. The effective date of the tax exemption is Aug. 31, 2011.

The Washington Street Artists’ Cooperative gallery, showing juried work by 30 local artists and artisans, is located at 108 N. George Street in the heart of historic Charles Town. The Co-op’s mission is to provide a space where artists and artisans in the West Virginia Panhandle region can create, teach and exhibit and to nurture an appreciation for art in the community.

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon 5 p.m., 304-724-2090, wstreetgallery.com/