Ironwood Gallery Closes Its Doors

The Ironwood Gallery has wish lists on-hand for customers to fill out around the holidays, which co-owner Betsy Halliday explained are mostly so husbands know which jewelry pieces their wives are coveting.

This year, three generations of a local family—regular customers, all, who returned each year—visited the store to submit a list.

"On the wish list, they just wrote, 'Don't leave,'" Halliday said.

That's because, after ten years of offering museum-quality American crafts in Ridgefield, the gallery is closing its doors for good on Dec. 24.

And for the first time during Ironwood's existence—five years downtown and five years in Copps Hill Common—the gallery is holding a sale to help move items before it closes.

"We decided not to renew our lease, and we're going to focus more on online business and also commissions, private and corporate commissions," Halliday said. She added that she and co-owner Richard Herrmann are considering relocating in the future to another area that has more of a gallery community.

Before closing though, the store is holding its final First Friday event on Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., a monthly event which brings together local artists and art lovers for refreshments and conversation.

"It is a bittersweet experience," Halliday said. "The economy has really been devastating for the last couple years ... This last First Friday is really kind of a thank you to people who have supported us."