Lynn Arts opens new gift shop; expansion possible

LYNN – From jewelry to purses, residents can now do some shopping while checking out local art at Lynn Arts.Lynn Arts is now offering a little store to patrons. The idea sprung from their annual Christmas tradition.?During the Christmas season, we offer up items for people to buy from our local artists,” Executive Director Susan Halter said. “People kept saying we should get our own store.”Lynn Arts Inc. is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural activity in the city of Lynn, as well as encouraging community interest and involvement in the arts in the Greater Boston area, said the organization?s website.The non-profit decided to listen to patrons? ideas. Right now, the store is a small kiosk but there are visions in making it larger.?We would eventually like it if it took up the whole front gallery,” Halter said.Lynn Arts has been contacting local artists to see if they would like to sell some of their goods at the store. Halter said most of the sales go back to the artists themselves. She said the prices range from $10 to over $100. They do encourage artists to reach out to them as well.?They just have to contact us and we will see if they are a good fit for the store,” Halter said.The store offers a variety of goods from quirky jewelry, stuffed animals, night lights and more. They are currently looking for more items catered to men since most of what they sell is jewelry.?We know this guy who makes these fantastic pens so we are after him,” Halter laughed.Halter believes that the store offers an excellent opportunity for not only the organization but for the community as well.?If someone wants to do some shopping now they don?t have to go to the mall, they can just come here,” Halter said.?It also is a great way to show off the great local art the North Shore has to offer,” Halter added.Coordinator of Operations Jennifer Ashworth shared Halter?s enthusiasm.?I think it?s fabulous,” Ashworth said. “It?s a great showcase for the artists.”Halter said patrons of Lynn Arts have been responding favorably to the new store.?Many of them come in about to go to a show and are surprised to see it,” Halter said. “They get very excited about it and buy a bunch of stuff.”Neither Ashworth nor Halter had bought anything from the store yet themselves but do have their eyes on specific items.?There is a headband I definitely want. It?s so cute,” Ashworth said.?There a few rings I want. I also want one of the night lights. They?re beautiful,” Halter said.Sara Brown can be reached at [email protected].