She Said Gallery
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September 2008: New owner is Marnie Hueston
2000 Fernwood Road
Mon - Thurs 10am to 6pm, Fri - Sat 10am to 8pm, Sun noon - 4pm
361-3372
n/a
Chosen for:
Original Art by Local Women Artists
Beads and Gemstones
Lively Personality of Owner
On Saturday, May 6th, 2006, Grapevine participants marched past The Belfry Theatre and entered a small shop on the corner of Fernwood and Gladstone. Owner Susan Mulholland's jaw dropped as 23 Grapeviners crowded in and announced that She Said Gallery had been picked "best of the bunch" for the month of May. Fighting tears, Sue said 'passing the word down the grapevine' was an "incredible idea".
Buy beaded jewelry already made,
or get creative and make your own!!!
With her bigger-than-life personality, Sue described her passion for helping local women who have developed their creative ability in some way, often at their kitchen tables. "Some are timid to show me their work," she said. "But then one month later they come back and I give them a cheque—and self-confidence follows close behind."
The gallery currently holds the artwork of 68 Victoria women, including Sue's own—the youngest a 12-year old girl who creates whimsical rag-doll "Critters". Browsers can choose from unusual mirrors, beautiful glass bowls, jewelry, paintings and photographs, vintage/retro clothing, children's clothing, elegant bead keychains and handmade greeting cards. In order to incorporate new artists, she rotates artists every three months.
Choosing from their stock of intriguing beads and gemstones, Sue and her staff make surprisingly low-priced custom jewelry. Or you can make your own. Sue offers classes in jewelry-making, mosaic art and knitting and, weather permitting, hopes to set up outside in Fernwood Square.
Sue said that she came by the gallery space by fate while she was working in an art studio across the street. She had become friends with the woman running a bead store in this location and one day she found the owner lamenting, "I can't do this anymore. Sue, you should have this store." Smiling slyly, Sue said, "being a slightly impulsive person, I considered it for about 30 minutes. Wow, I thought, I could have a place for me and my girlfriends to do our art." By the time she called her husband and outlined the situation, he said, "Well, it sounds like you didn't phone to discuss this. It sounds like you've already made up your mind. It sounds great, Sweetie, let's go for it" Despite having no experience in retail, Sue immediately chased down the landlord and signed the lease, opening She Said Gallery in June of 2004.
Last summer, without any advertising, Sue organized the successful Fernwood Village Market, which received super support from the community. Running on Tuesday evenings between June 20 and September 12, this year the market is expanding from Fernwood Square, up the street and into Vic High School's parking lot. Interested vendors (food, produce, art, etc.) can pick up application forms at the store.
Sue recently added her "Make It Simple" service. Call her if you have friends or colleagues who are retiring, celebrating birthdays, or having babies, and after a few questions she will bring 5 potential gift choices to your workplace or home. The fee for delivery is $20.
We browsed with all toes tapping to the strains of Aretha's "Respect". As the last of us petered out and the cash register finally stopped ringing, Sue grabbed Sarala in a bear hug and said, "Thank you for coming and surprising the heck out of me and making my day so happy."
With so many whimsical and
offbeat offerings, visitors leave the shop feeling
happier than when they entered—you're
guaranteed to smile!
Grapeviners proclaimed
She Said Gallery the perfect place
to find unique gifts.