Vinson Gallery Closing
October 6, 2008 | 1:47 pm
In another post, FM Fats reports that one of Decatur’s longest standing galleries, Vinson Gallery, is closing its doors on Halloween. Its last show, entitled “Last Call” begins this Saturday.
How sad. This just a few months after celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Stories like this, along with a 700 point drop in the Dow, has me thinking “Are we saying good-bye to another era of affluence?” If so, what does that mean for Decatur and all its high-end shops?
Responding to your last paragraph: maybe it’s warranted to worry a little about high-end gift shops, but you don’t need to worry about most Decatur businesses and restaurants. Decatur is in a very unique position. It is surrounded by educational institutions, medical institutions, and local government institutions. These institutions are among those least affected by economic downturns. Not to mention all the people living here, and the accessibility to public transportation (with usage on the rise). There will always be a strong flow of people into the city, regardless of the economy. We are very uniquely positioned and lucky in that respect.
As long as the businesses in the city are serving the needs of those people at a price they can afford, business will be strong. So don’t get your hopes up for shorter lines at Taqueria and Brickstore, less internet traffic at Dancing Goats, or shorter waits for shuffleboard at Twains.
And just for the record, I’m not saying that any of the ultra-popular places are in trouble for all the reasons you described. My worry is all the higher-end places and whether or not they will survive and if not, be replaced. So far, we’ve done OK…but we’re beginning to see some of these places stay vacant for extended periods of time.
Perhaps I just don’t have enough first-hand history and observation under my belt. Guess I’m gettin’ some right now!
For the sake of clarification, our lease expires on Oct 31 and we’ve decided to reduce our overhead by moving out of our little space on the square. While we’re sad to let it go, we have to ride out the economic storm just like everyone else – and this is an unfortunate but necessary move. The good news is that we will continue to live and work in Decatur, and will carry on selling art through personal service, by appointment, in metro-Atlanta. Our website will still display our inventory, and we will bring artwork to your home or office so you can view it in your own space. We’re planning exhibitions in various locations, and will participate in the forthcoming ATLart[09] which begins on January 29.
I’ve been in the art business since 1991, primarily as an artist agent and dealer. That will not change. And Brick Store Pub visitors can count on a more regular rotation of the art we’ve been displaying there since they opened. It’s not all doom and gloom for us, simply the end of one chapter and the start of another.
Thank you very much to all who have supported the gallery with your patronage, and all the kind words. Please sign the guest book at http://www.vinsongallery.com to stay in touch. And make sure to visit the gallery in October for some very nice opportunities to acquire original art without paying for the framing!
Cheers,
Shawn Vinson
Most of us are suffering from “The Perfect Storm” of uncertainty – keep in mind that every 4 year election cycle usually creates general anxiety in our population (who’s going to be in charge?). Add to this the ongoing anxiety about war and terrorist threats, the real estate slide of the past 1-2 years, and the resulting mortgage “bubble,” the collapse of confidence on the DOW/NASDAQ, you’d have to be Mary Poppins or medicated not to have some uncertainty creeping into your thinking.
The fact is that almost everyone I know is examining their spending habits and “circling their wagons” financially speaking. I do think “high-end” type operations are being hit – not because the rich are hurting but rather because the middle classes are withdrawing from the high-end. I myself have noticed that even Whole Foods is less crowded. I used to shop there 2-3 times per week. Now? Maybe 2-3 times per month.
It’s my impression that marginal buying by the middle of the pack is down and this is hurting Decatur, for sure, just like everywhere else. The only question in my mind is how long? Some businesses can weather the storm for many months. Not many can weather an economic down-turn that lasts more than 1 year. Let’s hope for fair weather soon – we are all in the same boat. (Except maybe for the yacht crowd!).
@Shawn: “The news of your business’ death was greatly exaggerated”
… glad to hear you are carrying on you business. Here’s hoping for good fortunes for your endeavor in the years to come!
Dedoger is fooling herself/himself if she/he thinks businesses are going to survive without significant challenges. Regardless of the built in audience of academic, medical, and government entities, those working and studying at these institutions have, or feel they have, less disposable income. PEOPLE ARE SPENDING LESS EVEN IF THEY HAVE IT. Decatur is not immune, Dedoger. Get your head out of the sand. Your entry here sounds like you work for the local chamber of commerce.
livewon…..most business owners I have talked with have adjusted their ordering for the Holidays to reflect the economic downturn. Anyone who hasn’t is a fool. Also, many of them are offering discounts to keep shoppers from fleeing Decatur. All the more reason for us to support them, even if we are spending less than previous years. We are all apprehensive about the economy, but spending money outside our community to me is plain silly. I say if you can, spend in Decatur.
VinsonGallery.com still has some great art at affordable prices.
Check out the site. If you want to see anything up close, give us a call to schedule a studio visit. We’re now showing art by appointment only at our private studio on New Street in Decatur.
By they way, how does one list their website on the shopping links of this blog??
Ask and you shall receive!