Have you ever been on your way to a birthday party, a dinner party or some other special occasion, and found yourself empty-handed because you could not find that perfect gift, or if you did have something, you had no time to wrap it?
Stress no more. Pop into The Mercato shopping court and stroll down to Gifted, a new gallery and gift store, and you’ll stroll out with a fabulous-looking present.Owner Jeannie Dixon and her partner Carolyn Smith want you to be able to “walk in with an idea of what you need, and walk out with a beautifully wrapped gift.” Dixon has assembled local artists’ works — paintings, sculpture, glass and ceramic pieces, jewelry and a tasteful smattering of gifts for all ages and occasions. Her goal was to create an environment that is fun to work in and fun to shop in. It had to be fun says Dixon, who “retired” as the co-owner of Earthworks in December after a career with that company that spanned 26 years, because that’s the only kind of place she wanted to own.
Dixon did a little traveling after shutting down Earthworks, and upon returning, happened across the space in The Mercato. The store was taken down to the bare walls and the result is a lovely and inviting “gallery” of unique art, jewelry, handbags and whimsical gifts that are mostly one-of-a-kind pieces.
You’ll also see row upon row of gorgeous ribbons, paper and boxes— almost art in themselves — that are used to wrap gifts. Gifted will also do custom wrapping with these amazing papers and decorative elements for a reasonable charge if you bring in a piece bought elsewhere. Items purchased at Gifted are wrapped free.
In searching for a name, Gifted came up, and Dixon knew it was right. “Once we had the name, the store started taking shape around it, “ she said. “We had great relationships with many artists from the years at Earthworks, and we’ve discovered some new, wonderful work from others. We’ve tried to select items to meet all price points, from a fun, spontaneous purchase to a painting or piece of art you will live with for years.”
The bright and colorful paintings that adorn the walls are by Mylette Welch, a Healdsburg artist whose work is rooted in the Sonoma county landscape. Another nationally known artist represented is Theodora Elston. Her creations include jewelry, paintings and tapestry, all created with fine, hand-sewn textiles, combining traditional craft with contemporary themes.
Jewelry is perhaps the most popular purchase, and Gifted carries several artists’ lines. Anna Whitmore, Bess Nathan Ruiz, Vicky Bates and Fritz & Michelle are some of the jewelers represented. Almost all the artists in the store are personally known to Dixon, who can tell you a story about each of them and their work.
And, for Dixon, it’s that personal connection to the people who create the art that makes it such a joy to bring it to her customers. “It’s a much more special experience when you acquire something that has meaning to you,” she said. “Understanding the art and understanding our customers, we can create a richer relationship than you would get from just a chance purchase.”
Gifted
450-H First Street West
(The Mercato)
707.939.8876
