Amy Zane returns to Mall Plaza with 'sublime local art'

Amy Zane had no immediate plans to return to her own retail storefront the day she was delivering her most recent pieces of jewelry to Earthly Delights in the Mall Plaza where they have been for sale.

But on her way through the plaza the salon owner who had been her neighbor in the retail center stopped her. "Your space is open, Amy. Are you coming home?" Just like that Zane decided to open a new store.

With a lot of focused energy and hard work, everything fell into place, and within five weeks she pulled together Amy Zane's Store and Studio in time for the holiday shopping season.

Zane, owner of the former Fervor Art to Wear, has returned to her former location in the Mall Plaza. She brings with her six artists whose work previously was found in her store, people she knows she likes to work with, and who understand the demands of the local market.

The 1,090-square-foot store, recognizable by the decorative floor Zane and friends installed when she first set up shop there, will employ three people besides Zane. It opened Nov. 7 and will celebrate its grand opening during the December Art Hop, Dec. 7.

Artists whose work will be offered are: Tonya Neilsen, an abstract acrylic artist; Lisa Olivares, who uses pastels; Jon Reeves, who works in metals like copper; a husband and wife team known as DM Wood Art, who creates all handcrafted pieces of wood, including flowers with intricate individual pieces; Cathy Green, pottery with a nature motif; and photography by Fran Dwight.

Customers will find art work in a range of prices, from $18 for a painting to pieces that run a little over $800. Many are in the $200 range to keep them affordable. "I chose artists who understand what people can afford when it comes to art," Zane says. Her jewelry also covers a wide price range, from a $28 necklace with earrings to pieces that run $65 to $75.

"Each of the artists have a wildly eclectic look. People can't imagine that it will look so cool together, but it does," Zane says.  "The store is a treat for the eyes."

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Amy Zane, Amy Zane's Store and Studio