Gallery Hop Showcases Greater Brandon’s Artists, Cultural Community

Local stores welcomed the chance to showcase the work of local artists while promoting their own businesses at the

The Gallery Hop gave art lovers a chance to explore the hidden art treasures of the Greater Brandon area and find some pieces to value of their own.

“It’s a great way for the community to come out and support the arts,” said Eva Areias, owner of , 913 Lithia Pinecrest Road, one of the stores that participated in the Gallery Hop.

“It lets more people know about the stores,” said Areias, who let customers pick their own beads which were made into free earrings as part of the day’s festivities. “I’ve had this store for five years and I still come across people who don’t know we are here.”

“It’s a good advisement for us all,” added Delores Areias, who works with her daughter at The Bead Boutique. “There are quite a few art stores around and it will give people a chance to get to know those stores.”

The free event, presented by the Greater Brandon Arts Council, the Brandon League of Fine Arts and the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, took place Sept. 9-10 and was followed by the league's Artworks 2011 reception at

Participants were asked to visit 11 venues in the Greater Brandon area, getting their programs stamped and putting their name in a pot for a treasure basket drawing at the Center Place reception.

The reception also included a silent auction of hand-painted bamboo plates sponsored by the Brandon League of Fine Arts.

The event is win-win for everyone involved, said Laura Hoven, owner of The White Rabbit Antiques & Collectibles, 207 S. Parsons Ave., who also participated in the event.

“Local artists are kind enough to let us show their art here and with the mix of antiques and art it gives the store an eclectic feel," said Hoven, who has been in business 18 months. "This event allows us to support the artistic community. The arts community in Brandon is very kind and supportive, as this event shows, and if it brings more people into the store that’s good.”

Hoven estimated the event increased foot traffic in her store on Sept. 10 by 50 percent.

The Gallery Hop also has raised the profile of local businesses that support the arts, Hoven said.

“This is my second Gallery Hop," she said. And last year, too, she added, "we had lots of people come in who were finding us for the first time.”

The following stores participated in the Gallery Hop:

• Beaux Arts Gallery at Winthrop Village Town Center, 11252 Winthrop Main St., 813-438-3844
• The Bead Boutique, 913 Lithia Pinecrest Road, 813-662-9900
• Brandon Ballet, 161 Bloomingdale Ave., 813-684-4282
• Leonard’s Academy of Dance and Centre for the Arts, 302 W. Robertson St., 813-653-0400 
• Laughin’ Ladies, 800 Lumsden Road, 813-689-0131 
• Orange Home Accessories, 1046 Bloomingdale Ave., 813-681-8686 
• Pottery Patch, 2551 State Rd 60 East, 813-643-0014 
• Sketch and Sip, 11248 Winthrop Main St., 813-263-4576
• The Way 2 Dance, 610 Oakfield Drive, 813-966-4788 
• The White Rabbit Antiques & Collectibles, 207 S. Parsons Ave., 813-681-2950 
• Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive, 813-685-5998