Each day, Aaron & Monica Maxwell unlock the doors to their dream, Harmony Ridge Gallery. What makes them different? It may be their gallery’s laid-back nature, their commitment to American artists, or their community spirit. Or it may be all of these wrapped up into one. And while not everyone could make a gallery like theirs work in the Appalachian foothills of West Virginia, they have. And with rave reviews.
At Harmony Ridge, the Maxwells enjoy telling the story of the artist as equally as they enjoy the look of awe when a customer hears it. At their gallery, 99% of everything you see is handmade by U.S. and Canadian artists -- just part of the commitment they have to promote the American dream; a dream they believe are lucky enough to be living themselves.
Part of the charm of the Gallery is that they specialize in American fine craft for a real-world environment. And that means having the experience to select quality pieces from $1 to $5,000 for their inventory. If art is luxury, then this is a place where customers can find luxury in their price range. From their collection of jewelry that’s hip and retro, to furniture, glass, pottery and ceramics, or edgier notions, it’s easy to see that at Harmony Ridge, handmade doesn’t have to mean expensive.
“Operating a gallery in a town of 4,000 people not only takes moxie, it takes camaraderie”, states the Maxwells. “We have the business sense to know our neighbors and we are heavily involved in community affairs. Our town, Lewisburg, continues to be a tourist mecca; having been named America’s Coolest Small Town in 2011. We know that adding value to the town will add value to our store, and so leading the charge in these efforts is clearly a no-brainer.
Harmony Ridge Gallery was named the Best Large Gallery in the Nation by NICHE magazine’s 2011 Top Retailers competition. Winners were announced in a ceremony at the 2011 Buyers Market of American Craft on July 12, 2011 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md.
The annual Top Retailer Awards program recognizes craft retailers who are committed to fair business practices and to growing and strengthening the North American craft community.
Harmony Ridge was honored for its success in customer relations, design and representation of artists. NICHE magazine was also impressed with the overall vision of the gallery which is housed in a 1930’s era car dealership and includes a contemporary wine & coffee bar created with handcrafted furniture and décor.
209 W. Washington Street
Lewisburg, WV
304-645-4333
Harmony Ridge Gallery Facebook
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