Ackland art store opens its doors

After four months of construction, the Ackland Museum Store finally opened its doors May 5 on the corner of Franklin and Columbia streets.

The property, which was empty for more than seven years, has been converted from a bank space to a gift shop and gallery.

The project is funded in part by a November 2009 grant of $150,000 from UNC’s Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost. Originally meant to open in November, construction and contractor negotiations forced the Ackland to delay the store’s opening.

Emily Bowles, director of communication for the museum, said the store functions as a gateway from Franklin Street to the Ackland Art Museum.

“I think the store being anchored right there at the epicenter is really important,” she said.

“We want to make sure people are aware of the museum.”

Store merchandise ranges from jewelry and architectural books to home decor and children’s toys.

“The vast majority of the products are things you can not find in this area,” Bowles said.

Gallery space inside the store will contain original artwork from regional and local artists, store manager Alice Southwick said. In addition to the store selection, visitors will be able to purchase gallery pieces after they have been on display for a set time.

During the upcoming 2ndFriday Artwalk the store’s first gallery exhibition, entitled “Nothing is Impossible,” will highlight seven North Carolina artists’ works.

While the purpose of the store is geared toward promoting museum awareness, Southwick said she is optimistic that the store will generate profits that will directly benefit the museum’s educational programs and projects.

“We have current show material, membership material and program material,” Southwick said. “Our mission is to support all that the museum does.”

The store has prompted a favorable response from members of the community.

“I think this will bring more people to the museum, as well as those who are traveling in Chapel Hill and may not know that the museum is half a block down from Franklin Street,” said Sam Rosman, 60, a museum patron since 1978.

Bowles said she is enthusiastic about the store’s potential. Southwick added that the store has received plenty of positive feedback from the public.

“I have to say that for the museum, and me personally, it is just a really exciting time,” she said. “The reception that people have given us has warmed the cockles of my heart.”

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