The members of Womancraft Fine Handcrafted Gifts celebrated their move to Carrboro on Monday, opening their doors to new artistic opportunities in a growing community.
The shop threw a small house-warming party at their new location on East Main Street. Many of the shop’s members were present, explaining the exciting things about their new location.
Sue Kopkind, coordinator at Womancraft Gifts, talked about some of the changes with their new shop.
“Oh we love it. Its such a beautiful location,” Kopkind said. “We’ve done a bang-up job.”
Last July, Womancraft Gifts was forced to temporarily close their shop as a result of a flood. They experienced up to 8 inches of floodwater, which ruined most of their carpeting and walls.
Despite the setback, Kopkind said the shop didn’t experience much difficulty with the transition.
“Because we’re a cooperative, we do everything ourselves. We have a lot of cooperation with everybody else to suit up the store and make it look nice,” she said.
“Everyone pitched in and helped to get it in tiptop shape.”
David Otto is a photographer and a member of the shop’s crafting team. As a Carrboro resident, he has found many reasons — including the convenience of location — to appreciate the new space.
“The two places are the same square footage but the layouts are very different,” Otto said. “It’s a much more open space. Much better feeling with the walls lighted up well and higher ceilings.”
Most of the talk at the opening centered around Carrboro as an artistic atmosphere to push Womancraft Gifts into the spotlight.
Member Mary Wurm, who serves as treasurer and office manager, said this move is the only way to make the shop go over well in Carrboro.
Most members are excited to be in the heart of a growing arts community. There are some proposals for an arts and creativity district and eventually, larger developments that will dramatically change the scene around the shop.
The opening celebration included a number of activities including a ribbon cutting, book signing and snacks that highlighted the exciting event.
Womancraft Gifts member Karen Graves won over many first-time visitors by giving out samples of her Chapel Hill toffee.
Some members and guests jokingly inquired if there will emerge a Carrboro adaptation to her signature treat, but Graves held on strong as Chapel Hill native and UNC graduate.
She said she loves the new space, and particularly the landlords.
“Anything being new helps,” she said. “The building owners have been so helpful.”
arts@dailytarheel.com
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