by Kirsten Coughlin
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Imagine Artwear
by Kirsten Coughlin |
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Gallery: Owner: | |
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Background:
Originally Fiber Designs, founded by Rebecca Smith in 1988, the gallery specialized in fiber arts, craft and custom weaving. The gallery was bought in 1992 by Carol Supplee, who shifted the emphasis to wearable art by American artists. The name was changed to Imagine Artwear in 1996. In 1998, the gallery moved to its present location on King Street, doubling its retail space.
"I was a marketing V.P. and a casualty of the savings and loan crisis in the early '90s," says Supplee. "I reasoned that marketing skills should be transferable to any industry and applicable to one's special interests."
In addition to her marketing background, Supplee holds a bachelor's of arts degree in art history, a master's of arts degree in arts administration, is a former editor of a magazine and grew up in a family of retailers.
Kinds of crafts sold:
primarily wearable art and jewelry, but also pottery, glass, wood products and furniture
Currently looking for:
handwoven, handcrafted wearable art suitable for professional women
Prime customers:
mostly professional women ages 35 and up, with middle to high incomes
Signature crafts:
wearable art
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Exhibitions:
Visiting artists shows are held from time to time. This past summer, the gallery held a trunk show of work by Washington artist Judith Bird. "I like to bring the artists and customers face to face whenever possible," says Supplee. "It's really a thrill for many people."
Artists are found through:
Most of the gallery's buying is done at ACC shows. Other shows include the Buyers Market of American Craft, Style Industrie
in New York City and the New York International Gift Show.
Pricing:
$10-$250 for jewelry; clothing ranges from $50-$750; gifts are usually under $100; most jackets sell from $200-$500
GALLERY OWNERS: |
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Purchase/consignment:
"Sometimes an artist will ask me if they can send some of their more expensive pieces on consignment," says Supplee. "But generally, it's just simpler to handle purchases outright."
Best-selling price points:
Supplee says items under $100 are the easiest to sell, but most clothing items sell between $100 and $400.
Gallery size:
1,500 square feet
Number of artists currently represented:
about 200
Non-craft items sold:
none
Services offered to customers:
"We are fairly unique," says Supplee. "We will custom order many of the clothing lines. This is definitely not something you can do at Nordstrom's. If a customer is not happy with the product, there is no obligation on their part. If [a special order] doesn't work out, it goes out on the floor. Since they are beautiful pieces to begin with, they usually find a buyer. I believe in meeting the customer's needs whenever possible. We have also been known to do personal shopping on request, free delivery and creative financing. We are also known for our free gift-wrapping, late hours and champagne during the holidays."
Gallery location:
The gallery is located in a building dating from the early 1800s in the Old Town section of Alexandria.
To submit work to the gallery:
Send photos or slides, a description of the technical processes, a bio and a SASE. New works are considered anytime, but especially in the spring and fall, and around holidays.
Why selling crafts:
"I love the art," professes Supplee. "I love the artists who love what they are doing. I love the community I feel so much a part of here. The other shop owners, the residents, the regulars. These are all people to whom I have a responsibility to provide a market, to add to the retail mix, to provide a quality product. In the present state of American handcrafts, I am proud I have that opportunity."
Kirsten Coughlin is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.
NOVEMBER 1999:
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