Our customers often ask if products we sell at the Museum Store are made locally and are disappointed when they are not. After receiving feedback from both out-of-town patrons and Museum members, I began to seek out local makers and artists. My goal was to find designers living and working in our great city and showcase their craftsmanship and creativity within our store. I began to compile a list of artisans I knew personally, some of my favorite Charleston brands, and products that I discovered while visiting small shops around town. I have to say, making these connections and working collaboratively with these designers to create custom products specifically for the Gibbes has been one of the most fun and rewarding parts of my job!
In late June, I stopped by the Cigar Factory to do some scouting at a small pop-up shop of local designers. While I was there I met Amy Looney, the designer behind Charleston Map Jewelry. I had bought one of her bracelets a few weeks earlier and was excited to have the chance to talk with her. Amy’s signature circular pendants and charms feature old maps of downtown Charleston and the surrounding beaches, cities, and harbors. She mentioned that she designed custom projects for clients and I immediately starting thinking of what she could create for the Museum Store. After toying around with the idea of the circular Rotunda dome, we decided to work with the original 1902 blueprint of the building. The blueprint had the same feel as the old maps and to me represented a big part of our renovation process, restoring the Museum back to its original glory. This custom design is available in a bronze or silver bracelet as well as a variety of necklaces in different sizes, lengths and metals. At such a great price point, these items make the perfect gift or personal token of your time spent at the Gibbes.
While perusing the shelves at one of my favorite shops downtown, I came across some eye-catching illustrated notecards depicting iconic images of Charleston. I noted the brand and made sure to look it up once I got home. I was happy to find out that Texture Design Co. is an illustration and stationary design studio based right here in Charleston. Owner, Emily Kirby, decided to open Texture Design Co. after working in the field of interior design and completing a second degree in graphic design. This past June she opened her first brick and mortar location on King Street. I had the pleasure of meeting with Emily in her new store to see her full stationary line and brainstorm about doing a custom illustration for the Gibbes. After seeing her illustrations of collegiate buildings and homes, I proposed that she create a print, postcard, and notecard design highlighting the architecture of the museum’s façade. Emily was very much inspired by the lines of our Beaux-Arts building and created a beautifully detailed illustration for us. Her hand drawn and colored rendering has been printed onto to premium matte paper using archival ink. 8×10 inch prints, as well as notecards and postcards, are available for purchase exclusively at the Museum Store.
Besides these custom collaborations, I have enjoyed bringing in other handmade items created here in Charleston. Some of my favorites include a line of table linens depicting the native vines of Charleston from SISTERSGRIMM DESIGN, the delicately scented soy candles poured by Element Candles, and Jack Alterman’s self-published book of photographs entitled My City Charleston.
To further showcase the works of these local creatives and designers, I will be hosting a Holiday Trunk Show on December 14th from 6–8pm. Be sure to mark your calendars as this will be a unique shopping experience in which you will have the opportunity to meet the faces behind each product! Local vendors Candy Shop Vintage, SISTERSGRIMM DESIGN, Element Candles, and eluCook Designs will all be there showcasing their creations. Remember, Museum and Women’s Council members receive a discount, and during the event we will be offering an extra 5% off. Get your holiday shopping done in one stop, while sipping wine from our (soon to open) café!
—Lizzy Goodrich, Museum Store Coordinator, Gibbes Museum of Art
Special Offers from the Gibbes Women’s Council Museum Store this Holiday Season:
Friday, November 25–Sunday November, 27: Receive 10% off your entire purchase of $50 or more. This offer can be combined with all Museum Member discounts.
*Special surprise gift for our first 10 customers on Saturday, November 26!*
Published November 18, 2016