12/18/2012
It's Sara from Heritage Gallery in Downtown Mount Vernon.
Nearly five years ago, I bought the Gallery from Toni Franulovic in February 2008, 28 years after it opened. I worked for Toni as an art framer for several years and then as her general manager before purchasing the business.
I happened to buy the Gallery right before the current recession hit. I did so, not with hopes of financial riches but more of the personal kind, with a deep desire to keep open a business that I've long believed serves an important role within the community. Since then, it's been an upward struggle, especially against eroded personal earnings, real estate losses, and big box stores. On an average year, we expect to see lower volumes in the summer as people are out enjoying the sunshine, followed by a fall seasonal boost in business, but we're not really seeing that annual rise in business.
I have invested a substantial amount of time, energy, commitment and sacrifice into the Gallery. I've done this for the benefit of my community of friends, customers and supporters in the tradition of small business.
We have been helping three generations of people in the valley since 1980 and right now, your support is critical in order for us to continue to serve you, as we want to remain a resource for the community for a long time to come.
We're facing quite a few challenges: reduced order size, fewer monthly orders, growing overhead and costs of doing business, just to name a few. To get things moving and try and keep the Gallery viable, we're letting our valued friends know that we have a few ways that you can support us:
*We're holding a Silent Auction Fund-Raiser, with works of art from Local Artists bringing local photography, oil and acrylic paintings, prints, sculpture, wood-turned bowls and more. This will be held through the week of December 17th-21st. Bidding is available online this week. Please visit our page for detailed bidding info.
*We're hoping you'll bring in those pieces of art that you need framed, or that amazing family portrait you can't wait to see turned from a digital image into a frame-able art print. We can frame it for you, too!
*We are seeking a Volunteer Community Outreach Coordinator Assistant: We wish to host a non-profit, non-political entity within our doors that makes use of our space to promote local art and community initiatives. Of particular interest might be bringing together under-privileged youth with talented artists, and the potential scope is unlimited. We are seeking a stalwart volunteer to help bring this together.
*We have a beautiful space that can be made use of at a low cost for an Artists' Co-operative, with a limited number of spaces on an annual basis, that would include show space, studio/workshop space, and teaching facilities.
*Angels participating in any way, shape, or form.
We look forward to rising above our current challenges, remaining a sustainable resource within the community for many years to come, and hope that you'll contribute to our future success in the best way that you're able.
