From The Stokes News
http://www.thestokesnews.com/top-stories/10558/Arts-Place-retail-Market-opens-for-business
Article by Amanda Dodson
The Arts Place Retail Art Market, located at 502 North Main Street in Danbury, just three miles from Hanging Rock State Park, opened on Saturday and features an array of framed art, prints, pottery, soaps, jams and children’s hand crafted toys made by local artisans.
“On our opening day, we had visitors to the area stop in for ice cream and walk out with a local item. People love the selection, the layout and can’t believe something like this is in Danbury,” said Tory Mabe, who serves on the art council’s board of directors.
Mabe said there’s been a flurry of work behind the scenes to make the grand opening possible.
Visual arts co-chairs Janis Hunsucker and Amanda Gordon met with each artist represented in the store, looked at their work and decided which items would best fit the Arts Place.
“They’ve made contacts to bring in inventory, which we were able to accept during a three week span in June. Each board member has voluntarily put in hours of their time to inventory, arrange the store and be available when artists drop off items. It’s been a very successful group effort and our Stokes Arts team is the best at making things happen,” Mabe said.
Fixtures inside the store were made by using 20-year-old wood from the area designed by Angela Mabe’s Fable Porch Furniture of Lawsonville, and by local artist and teacher Phil Jones.
Board President of the Stokes County Arts Council Ellen Peric was part of contacting 45 local artisans to be part of the new venture.
“We’re still receiving items but we have a great assortment,” she said. “We’ve strived to make sure we have something for every price point. From soaps and notecards to original paintings; The Arts Place will be a must visit for that special gift as well as everyday items.”
Artists interested in placing their work in the store, can contact Sonya Godwin at 336-593-3799 for an application.
Summer hours for the new retail store are Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Amanda Dodson may be reached at 336-813-2426.