The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Wild Acorn gives local artists showcase venue
Consignment art shop plans grand opening celebration for June 8
By Daniel Lai, Editor
PUBLISHED: May 29, 2008
When Elements Art Gallery closed its doors in September 2007, Manchester resident Dee Miles began seeking other venues for local artists to display their work. Nearly one year later, The Wild Acorn LLC -- a consignment retail store -- is open for business.
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"This is the perfect one-stop shop for people looking to buy a piece of art," Miles said.
A native of Monroe, Miles said she has always enjoyed the creativity that comes naturally with artwork.
"I started making jewelry 12 years ago and I became quite addicted to art galleries after several of my pieces were put on display," she said.
Miles said currently there are 20 artists consigned with her and an additional 10 whom she has bought wholesale pieces from.
"All of the artwork is from Manchester or Michigan," she said. "We have a few from Canada, but most of it is local people."
The artwork -- which ranges in price from $3 to $1,200 and up -- includes paintings, drawings and sculptures.
"We have a wide variety of water colors, oil paintings, digital art, metal sculptures, wood sculptures, furniture, felted art, jewelry, pottery and photographs," she said.
Though she has never owned and operated her own business, Miles said she is confident the new store will fit well with the Manchester community.
"This is an artsy town. I've been here for three years and there hasn't been a store like mine," she said.
Located on the lower level of the Manchester Mill, Miles said she hopes residents and tourists will not overlook the new store.
"I wanted to find a place on Main Street and nothing was available until Bitter Sweet Farms moved out. It was a bout of patience," she said.
Since opening, Miles has entertained a small amount of local customers -- a fact she attributes to a lack of advertising.
"A lot of people don't even know I'm open yet because I haven't gotten my signs," she said. "We've been here a week and there have been some people coming in to look."
Despite a decline in the state's economic and real estate markets, Miles said she remains hopeful the store will be a success.
"It's an endeavor to try and it seemed to be the right thing for me right now," she said. "A lot of people were sad to see Elements close, so hopefully we'll get a positive response."
In the future, Miles said she hopes to expand the business to a larger space and include more artists.
"I feel bad because I can't accommodate anyone that is disabled or uses a stroller," she said. "I would love to expand, but it just depends on how well we do. For now, this is big enough for me."
The store will hold its grand opening June 8 and will feature an open house with food, drinks and music. The Wild Acorn LLC is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m., Thursdays from noon to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. and by appointment. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
"If the gate is open, then the store is open," she said.
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