Storefront Gallery Closes Shop and Morphs Into New Enterprise

The doors to the Uniquely Original Art Gallery were closed permanently on Friday April 39, 2011, but gallery owner and artist Catherine Weaver has other plans to keep her artistic talents alive.

Weaver’s lease on the 375-square-foot gallery expired at the end of April, offering a chance to rethink finances and priorities. Facing challenges Weaver attributes to an uncertain economy, she felt the expiration of the lease offered the opportunity to redirect her funds towards artistic and entrepreneurial efforts. While she remains enthusiastic about the mix of Afro-centric Art, textiles and clothing she offers, other interests tugged at her as well.

“I love Gulfport and this community and intend to remain involved, but felt that I could use the rent money for other purposes,” Weaver says.

Weaver intends to offer items from her gallery at Gulfport’s Yabo Flea Market. 4929 9th Ave. S. The market, co-owned by Gulfport Mayor Mike Yates, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Yet, Weaver is a true entrepreneur, she owns another Gulfport business called Young Enterprisers, Inc. and is in discussions about buying the market. If all goes as planned, she envisions extended the hours beginning next fall, with a twist.

“The storefront market will remain open to the public, but vendors will be younger entrepreneurs . . .  children,” Weaver says.

Weaver’s upbeat outlook has propelled her from analyzing how to shrink expenditures to blending her varied interests and skills into one venture. And while shutteing the doors to her storefront gallery was not something she initially envisioned, she now sees some freedom and a whole lot of sense in the change.

“All things worked out for the best,” she says.

Immediate plans include continuation of drumming circles on the first Friday of each month. However, the circle will move a few hundred feet from her storefront gallery on Beach Blvd., and 29^th St., to the courtyard adjacent to the T and Me Tea Company opening tomorrow in the space formerly occupied by Java Nirvana. Weaver, who has taught art for more than three decades, also plans to offer a 10-week art camp for children, ages 10-14 beginning in July 2011. Her classes will cover basic art concepts and a variety of media such as painting, jewelry making and crafts.

“I want to encourage children to express themselves through art, “ she says.

Once the young artists return to school, Weaver plans on offering classes on turning dreams into business ventures. She says while the ending of one venture is bittersweet the future looks bright.

“I truly enjoy Gulfport and will continue my art, teaching and community involvement,” Weaver says.