ackground:
Owners Robin and Todd Dupey opened the Robin's Nest gallery in Dallas, Texas, in 1995. Prior to this, Robin Dupey worked as an assistant buyer of international crafts for a large craft company. "We started the gallery from scratch; from about $20,000 (wholesale) worth of inventory," says Robin Dupey. "Now we carry about $62,000 (wholesale) worth of inventory."
Kinds of crafts sold:
The gallery focuses on items that will bring happiness and peacefulness to people. Dupey also tries to bring some of the qualities of nature inside the gallery.
Currently looking for:
unique, functional crafts in all media, especially seasonally influenced items, garden themes, meditation aids
Prime customers:
between the ages of 35-55, primarily women
Signature crafts:
The gallery's signature is that the owners try to create a positive environment for the customer. "Customers have stated that they think they are on vacation when visiting our store," says Dupey.
Exhibitions:
In January, the gallery hosted a Diaper Drive for Brian's House (a local home for children impacted by AIDS); in February, there will be an exhibition with a Valentine's Day theme; in March, a garden show; in May, a Mother's Day jewelry theme; in June, Father's Day wood items; in September, an angel show; and in November, a holiday preview exhibition.
Artists are found through:
The owners approach artists at regional retail craft shows, and at The Rosen Group's Buyers Market of American Craft and the American Craft Council shows.
Pricing:
On consignment items, the artists set their own prices, and the owners decide if they can carry the item at that price. The gallery carries items priced from $5 to $5,000.
Purchase/consignment:
The split is 50/50 for consigned works; the owners also buy some works outright.
Best-selling price points:
$25-$50
GALLERY
OWNERS: |
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Would you like your gallery to be considered for inclusion in Gallery Profiles?
If you are looking to attract new artists and new work, and you have professional slides or transparencies of your gallery, send your background information and images to:
The Crafts Report
attention: Kirsten Coughlin
300 Water St.
Wilmington, DE 19801.
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Gallery size:
2,300 square feet, including a garden area with fountains where the gallery displays outdoor items
Number of artists currently represented:
200
Non-craft items sold:
candles, soap, incense
Services offered to customers:
Gift-wrapping is built into the retail price of items. "We really like to have a card with artist information to give to each customer," says Dupey. "Many items are gifts, and the giver wants the receiver to understand that they are receiving something handmade." The gallery also offers shipping and will order large quantities for corporations. Designers receive a 20 percent discount.
Gallery location:
in a strip center in a high-income area of town
To submit work to the gallery:
Send pictures with wholesale prices, and call to set up an appointment.
Why selling crafts:
Todd's family collects American crafts and owns a large craft supply store. Robin's family is from Alaska, and collects native Alaskan artifacts.
When deciding on a career, Dupey thought of what her favorite job would be ... and now she is living her dream of owning a gallery.
The owners are contemplating opening a second store.
Kirsten Coughlin is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.
