Business Description
This business is a fine art gallery located in the heart of Thornbury that represents over 20 Canadian artists, some that are native to Thornbury and others that are located in the GTA and Montreal. This art gallery has been in the community for over 13 years offering a variety of beautiful artworks. Generally, there are 2-3 resident artists that will paint on site, with Debrah Lynn Caroll and Lorne McDermott as the primary resident artists at the gallery currently. Debrah is currently painting up to 5 days a week with Lorne at a couple times a week and planning to increase in the near future.
Her Story
Heather has always been driven and passionate about being an entrepreneur and the art industry. She took ownership over the Loft Gallery approximately 3 and a half years ago, while being at the current location for almost a year. Heather has been present in the community for a number of years prior to owning the gallery, visiting family and friends and participating in cycling and biking on several local trails. It didn’t take long for Heather to fall in love with the beautiful people and surroundings that she experienced each visit. As soon as the opportunity became available to purchase the art gallery, she seized it immediately and was thrilled she could pursue her passion for art and represent a number of local artists. Her previous experience involved owning a small sporting business in Mississauga that she provided customized printing for athletes. In addition, Heather worked in the Peel district school board for a number of years teaching young children and gaining experience in a leadership role.
What Customers Love Most About The Loft Gallery
Customers have commented on the amazing quality and uniqueness of the artwork. Oftentimes Heather will interact with customers who fall in love with an entire collection from an artist, rather than a single piece that is displayed on the wall. In addition, customers have also liked the fact that many of the artists will paint scenes influenced by local scenes, making the artwork very appealing to all wanting to recognize the true beauty of the area. Due to the local resident artists that are on site weekly, customers have the chance to personally get to know the artists and build a relationship with them while watching them engage in creating their masterpieces. This is a positive and emotionally satisfying experience for those who visit the Loft Gallery, while also being a way for the community to grow more close knit.
Exciting Plans For The Future
Heather is currently in the process of planning her annual Square Foot Show, which involves many local artists with approximately 680 canvases that are on display that are all priced at 144$. This is Heather’s most popular event, where customers are often lined up early in hopes to grab one of the amazing local artworks. She is also involved in art tour weekend, which takes place in the community twice a year. This event involves a number of local studios and galleries that participate, approximately 10 in the Thornbury and Blue Mountains surrounding areas. A map is made prior to the event that involves all of the participating art studios, and customers are encouraged to follow a route to visit these galleries and the quickest method to do so.
Unique Facts About the Business
The Loft Gallery often displays exclusive artists that can’t be found at any other gallery. Currently there are 3 on display that are unique to this business, they include; Debrah Caroll, Lorne McDermott, and Janet Liesemer. The Loft Gallery is also featured on the apple pie trail that is available to the community of the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas. This map is essentially inspired by South Georgian Bay’s apple-growing history, and brings together culinary, shopping, adventure, farms and other local experiences to celebrate the history and reinterpret the mighty apple for the 21st century. In addition to this, the gallery holds paint and sip classes every month, involving participants the opportunity to paint with a local artist and sip on some delicious wine. Heather has recently added 2 new local artisans to the mix, Nick Leniun that makes beautiful customized stone sculpting, and Ruben who also specializes in doing unique stone sculptures.
Why She Loves Thornbury
Heather loves the natural beauty and close-knit community feel to the area. She believes that Thornbury and all the surrounding areas have so much to offer in all aspects including employment opportunities for entrepreneurs, outdoor activities, living spaces and unique events. Heather particularly loves being a business owner in Thornbury since collaboration with other local business owners is simply amazing as everyone supports one another in all their endeavours. In addition to that, there is several locally run groups that help with networking and building one’s business, such as the BNI and the Chamber of Commerce. With all of this ongoing support Heather reiterates the fact that our community is an excellent option for any small business or entrepreneur wanting to start something and build themselves financially in the area. Some of Heather’s favourite activities to do in the area include; paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, dining at the delicious restaurants and shopping at the cute boutiques and retailers.
