STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
Note to readers – the gallery has closed since this story was first published in August 2020. A new business called Angel’s Attic opened in this spot on Main Street in March of 2022.
August 26, 2020
It’s been a tough go for businesses in downtown New Port Richey – a new world as local entrepreneurs of various stripes try to steer their way through the restrictions put into place by the pandemic.
Some have not made it.
Among the first to fall was the Gateway Gallery and Emporium. That was followed by Bootleggers, Johnny Grits and most recently, Pete’s Grand Central.
Rising amid the pandemic is The Art Lover’s Boutique on Main.
Located at 5647 Main Street, the Art Lover’s Boutique is one of two downtown artisan retail enclaves, and a hopeful new option for the “buy local” movement. Another, Lis’s Pieces, at 6214 Grand Boulevard, is owned by another woman entrepreneur an artisan, Lisa Langford, who recently expanded her operation into the space of the former Gateway Gallery.
Linda Smolski got the keys to the space on June 3, making this her twelfth business venture. Within a month she transformed the former home of the Journey Church into an art gallery that features the works of 35 artists.
In the past Smolski operated a hairdressing salon, thrift store, and another art gallery in St. Petersburg that closed in 2012. She also operated a nursing service and a “New York deli on wheels.”
“I was always having to reinvent myself to support my two children,” she said. “But my best accomplishments are the galleries. I love them the best.”
Smolski, 70 is a mom, grandmother and mixed media artist who’s new thing is painting the insides of vases.
“Everything that strikes my interest I try,” she said.
That she was launching a business in the middle of a pandemic wasn’t at the forefront of her mind when she started searching for space to rent, rather an answer to a conundrum created when the Gateway Gallery closed up shop.
Smolski had been displaying her works at the Gateway Gallery since the the fall of 2019, when she decided to “get off the couch” and sell some of the artwork stashed around the house.
“I was the featured artist in January and February,” she said. “When they closed in March, I was like, “What am I going to do now?”
She opened the doors to the Art Lover’s Boutique on July 1, and hosted a grand opening on July 11 that featured about 20 artists.
“I had over 200 people come through here,” said Smolski, noting that the event was of the “social distance” sort.
What’s on display is ever-evolving with the addition or changing-up of artists who rent space to set up their own displays. Some are local such as fine art photographer, Thomas W. Hanafee and Michelle Gates who repurposes a variety of items to create one-of-a-kind shabby chic, rustic decor. Others are from the greater Tampa Bay area, such as mixed-media artist, LisBeth Graham and wood burning artist, Jack Smith.
“In the beginning I really had my doubts as to how much I could fill the walls in here, and it turns out they came running. It’s really filled with everything under the sun artistically,” said Smolski, noting that her granddaughter has sold three of her own paintings in the last two weeks.
“She’s making a killing,” she said, with a laugh.
What’s on display is ever-evolving with the addition or changing-up of artists who rent space to set up their own displays.
Even so, business could be better, she said. “But I’m sure every one of the (downtown business) owners could say that. I do get a lot of support from the people saying they are happy we are here.”
Smolski said she is determined to make a go of it and is experimenting with classes and events as a way to draw people in. Among the offerings are classes in pottery, soap making, painting, tie-dye, candle making and sushi making. She recently hosted a social-distance gallery walk so patrons could meet and chat with artists displaying their work. In the near future perhaps classes in yoga, belly dancing and maybe an open mic comedy night.
“I’ve signed a three-year lease,” Smolski said. “So I have to end up making it here.”
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Wow so much work went into this and it is amazing 👏