DON'T MISS THE TRAVERSE CITY FILM FESTIVAL - JULY 28-AUG. 3, 2008

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Fine Art & Flowers Meet in Downtown TC

Since just after Christmas there has been brown paper covering the Front Street windows of what used to be The Weathervane. Many eyes have tried to peek behind the paper wondering who will occupy the space. Finally, the secret has been revealed!

Evergreen Gallery and Floral (formally Evergreen Gallery) has moved to 108 East Front Street. Chuck and Cathleen Thayer purchased the gallery in 2005, then on West Front Street. They ran the business in that location until just recently when opportunity knocked. They decided to make the move to the main blocks of downtown Traverse City into a much expanded space. They are thrilled to be in their new location and are looking forward to incorporating more local artwork with the fine craft and art (all from US artisans) they have always carried.

Evergreen Gallery and Floral, as the name suggests, will utilize Cathleen’s professional florist abilities, as well as expand the selection of art glass, pottery, wall tiles, photography, woodwork and jewelry. They also have a large basement and will soon be offering the space to local artists who do not have a studio of their own to paint, do pottery or hold an art class.

Both Chuck and Cathleen are artists, so they can appreciate the difficulty local artists have in being represented in the marketplace. They firmly believe in the importance of promoting and supporting the local art community. In so doing, they provide a store with functional and inspirational art for every budget, from fine art cards and $10 hand-blown glass birds to higher end collector teapots, kaleidoscopes and original paintings. They have created a venue for local artists, as well as a place for Traverse City community members and visitors to find truly unique and beautiful pieces, no matter what their income level. Everything in the gallery is fit for everyday use; even the pottery is oven-safe and microwavable.

Chuck has loved photography for many years. He now operates Thayerimage Photography. Cathleen has been painting since she was a child, working mostly with soft pastels and watercolor. Both have had their work displayed at many local galleries. In 1991 Cathleen also studied floral design, and shortly after became a professional florist, providing arrangements for weddings, funerals, get well bouquets and custom orders. Evergreen Floral delivers to Munson Hospital, local funeral homes, as well as homes and businesses within Traverse City.

In addition to being local artists, Chuck and Cathleen are also both Traverse City natives. They met in 1974 and only six months later, were married. They love Traverse City and have always wanted to operate a business together downtown. Three years ago, as they sat on a park bench overlooking West Bay, this seemed out of reach. They had been working for other businesses all of their lives. Yet they talked to each other about how they were ready for a change. Life was passing them by and it was time to pursue their dreams. From that moment, doors opened for them to do what was seemingly impossible and bring them to where they are today.

Chuck and Cathleen extend an invitation to you to visit them in their new location, right next door to the Opera House entrance, at 108 East Front Street. They are offering 25% off a fresh floral bouquet with the purchase of an artisan vase from the gallery. In addition, if you are soon to be married you can receive 10% off your photography and floral needs when you use both Thayerimage and Evergreen Floral Shop. So now you don’t have to peek behind the paper; you can walk right into the store! Chuck and Cathleen look forward to seeing you soon.

Visit Evergreen Gallery & Floral at 108 E. Front Street, 231-929-9522.