The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts has announced that its in-house gift shop will reopen this fall. Now called “110 FINNEY ~ Creative Gifts with an Artful Edge,” the shop will be located in the same space as the former Jester’s Gallery Gifts, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Center’s $4.5 million renovation. Located on the Center’s first floor, the redesigned shop will feature fresh colors, innovative ideas and a renewed commitment to its mission: to serve discerning shoppers seeking unique gifts and art from talented artisans. The shop will continue Jester’s tradition of providing outstanding customer service with a personal touch.

A special committee is currently conducting a “call for artists” to select both commission and resident artists who will contribute to the vision of delivering “creative gifts with an artful touch.” A new design element at 110 FINNEY will showcase three resident artists at work in their studios, giving shoppers the unique opportunity to observe artists at work while browsing a variety of unique gifts.

The deadline for applications for the Call to Artists is 3 September 2024. The committee is keen to engage with artists who would like to learn more about the new store and what it offers the wider Suffolk community, and how they might fit into this special community asset. Artists must create original works including but not limited to paintings, pottery, jewellery, glass, textiles, photography and other media.

Personalized artist tours of 110 FINNEY are available for anyone interested in participating in this reimagined shopping experience. For more information on becoming a resident or exhibiting artist or to schedule a tour, contact the committee at [email protected] or visit https://suffolkcenter.org/110Finney/. The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is located in historic downtown Suffolk at 110 W. Finney Ave., Suffolk, VA 23434.