How does it feel to be surrounded by owls?
The owls are fantastic! I am not sure what the draw is with owls this year, but we have ceramic owls and fabric owls on the trees and they are all so popular! Jane Hance’s fabric owls are whimsical and so full of personality. The ceramic owls from artist Lynda Rix and adorable and unique. I would like to think there is some kind of owl symbolism that has brought them to me this season, but I have not figured that out yet.
What is the best part of your day at The Gallery Shop?
My favorite time of the day is anytime someone walks into the shop and expresses their joy for what they see and experience. I had a recent customer who said “I have died and gone to heaven” when she walked into the shop. That made my year!
Tell us a fun story about someone connecting with a piece they found in the shop:
It seems so many customers love the hand knitted monsters created by Rosemary Nolletti. They each have so much personality! I have quite a few customers who collect them and give them names!
What would you say to The Grinch if you met him?
I have felt similarly to the grumpy version of the Grinch in the past so I can totally relate. I would love to tell the Grinch to keep sticking and staying with those who love and accept him; to do what is right and it will all be ok!
What do you enjoy most about sourcing and merchandising art?
I absolutely love to see the excitement from a new artist in the shop – every single sale makes an artist do a happy dance inside and out.
I enjoy lazy Sunday afternoons scrolling Instagram for local Tampa Bay artists/creators to see what they are making and if they are interested in submitting work for the Gallery Shop Jury Committee. The gorgeous cork handbags from Brenda Scanlon in St Pete (Brenda the Bag Lady) are a good example. I was scrolling local makers in the area on Etsy, and I stumbled on her page and handbags. She passed Jury Committee last year and has sold many bags in the shop since then!
You have quite a crew. What would you do without your volunteers?
I would accomplish very little without the volunteers. We have volunteers who are instrumental in the Gallery Shop as well as dedicated volunteers who work events in all sorts of capacities. The behind-the-scenes work of volunteers is amazing. Often, I am told of a need for an event with short notice and it is rare that I cannot fill the need. The volunteers at DFAC are priceless!
Tell us your secret for not buying everything in the store for yourself on any given day…
Oh, I have no secret. I seem to buy shop items regularly. The earrings are what get me! And, of course, I love what we have in the shop so, for me, it is a perfect place to find gifts for friends and loved ones, holiday gifts or something to treat myself.
How many artist-made ornaments have you collected for this year’s holiday offering?
I sent the artist call in early July and they have been working ever since. I think last count I was at about 1,400 ornaments from 35 artists. Our ornament artists are local to Tampa Bay and have gone over and above to create beautiful ornaments for all.
How do you hope people experience The Gallery Shop?
I want it to be exciting and fresh every time a customer comes in whether it is a regular or someone new to us. It is wonderful to see the delight and amazement our guests have when they see the incredible talent we showcase in the Gallery Shop.
Describe a few of the new finds this season…
Ritu Haldar’s quilted wall hangings are a big favorite of mine right now. Her work is impeccable and her fabrics and designs are gorgeous as well as affordable. Another newcomer to the shop is Sharon Potts (Free Verse Designs). She paints the most amazing wood earrings with wonderful colors and embellishments!
You are yourself a fearless artist. What medium are you feeling the most connected to lately?
I am a pastelist for the most part as I love getting my hands dirty and playing with the pigments! I am challenging myself these days with weekly plein air painting (when I can escape the shop!) with Shawn Dell Joyce’s Plein Air Adventure group. We meet in different locations in the area to paint live outdoors. My other artistic training has been watercolor, oils, Sumi-e, torch cutting and welding.
Complete this sentence: When I am not scuba diving or snorkeling with whale sharks, my favorite thing to do is…
YIKES! I have so many things I love to do. Create art, travel, wander aimlessly through thrift stores, finding other cool gallery shops, kayaking anywhere and yoga.
What’s your Christmas wish?
I guess I have more than one:
- To hug my children.
- To be a light for others.
- To find the joy in each moment.
Interview and Photography by Leslie Joy Ickowitz