Handscapes Gallery

This brief history of Handscapes Gallery is sprinkled with a small sampling from the artists who are represented in the gallery today. Click images to enlarge.

Handscapes Gallery began about 19 years ago in the historic sailing village of Beaufort, North Carolina. Two small galleries existed near each other. Front Street Gallery was owned by jeweler Jane Minihan and managed by glass artist Alison Brooks. The Potter’s Place, a combination health food store and pottery shop, was owned by Jeanne Douillard, a local potter.

When Jane Minihan decided to move to the West Coast, the two shops combined forces and became Handscapes Gallery. Jane Douillard retained ownership and Alison Brooks took an active role, but the gallery was run much like a co-op featuring local artists who also worked in the shop. In 1986 Jeanne Douillard returned to her New England root and Brooks took over the ownership of the gallery.

At this time, Alison decided to give Handscapes Gallery a broader base featuring the work of other North Carolina artists as well as local artists. As time went on, Alison came into contact with artists from all over the country and began to incorporate them into the gallery. The gallery has grown considerably over the years, outgrowing three locations.

Currently Handscapes Gallery represents over 180 artists. In 2003 and 2004, it was named to Niche Magazine’s list of top 100 galleries. It is and has always been the goal at Handscapes Gallery to promote the American Craft movement and its artists and to provide the public with beautiful hand-made goods. The gallery also feels a responsibility to help educate people to the unique value of handcrafted
items.

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