CHANGES are CHANCES

Yes, the Grand Hand Gallery will close its Napa, CA location this week. That means two things for me: SADNESS that such an amazing gallery that stands for everything handmade in the US will no longer be part of our community. And CURIOSITY of what comes next. 

As the gallery's Art Consultant for the past 1.5 years I have dedicated myself to this gallery and enjoyed meeting all the wonderful and talented artists who's work we were able to represent and sell. My dearest colleague, Kristina, and I have been welcomed so warmly by the community. For the past couple of weeks we have both been so touched by everyone who came in to let us know how sad they are to see the gallery closing. We are so grateful for the community that has valued our impact on downtown Napa and the entire Napa Valley and hope they will follow us along as we make the move to an online presence.

While I will still be curating the little gift store - The Grand Hand Annex - at Napa Valley Museum and my products will still be available at the St. Paul, MN location I now will have a lot of time to focus on my own work and spend more time in my beloved studio. I admit it's a bit scary but I am trusting the process. I believe that now is a good time to really dive in and explore the possibilities of my work in relation with the slow fashion movement. All I've ever thought of was how can we make things that don't have to be replaced in a few months due to bad quality and at the same time keep in mind the impact of the making of every garment on our environment, our own health and our communities. 

New and good things will come out of this and I am excited to share them with you as I take this change as a chance.

"Window Weaving" by Mikey Kelly @ The Grand Hand Gallery - Napa. Photo by Israel Valencia of Infinity Visuals