Long-held dream comes to fruition in Irwin's Feathers Artist Market & Gifts

Tracy Alaia thinks she has the right business in the right place at the right time.

Her Feathers Artist Market & Gifts, with an eclectic gift shop, art gallery and classroom space, opened in September at 102 Fourth St. in Irwin.

It's the right business, she says, because the area doesn't have another privately owned art gallery such as hers. It's the right place, nestled among restaurants and other unique shops that draw visitors to downtown Irwin. And it's the right time, with what she sees as Irwin's surging business scene.

She likens the variety of shops and eateries, both old and new, in the downtown area to those that draw so many visitors to Ligonier and says she thinks Irwin now has a similar appeal.

“I love small towns and small businesses that offer unique things, the kind of shops people poke around in on vacation,” she says.

“We're so happy when any new business opens in Irwin, and this one is certainly unique,” says Rosanne Barry Novotnak, president of the Norwin Chamber of Commerce. “The artwork is gorgeous and she has such a great variety.”

Love of art

Having a shop of her own has long been a dream, Alaia says.

“I've always had a love of art,” she says. “My grandpap was a painter.”

The Slippery Rock University graduate and Level Green resident often incorporated artwork into her former job as a recreational therapist at HealthSouth Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital.

She's been a member of the Norwin Art League since 1997 and has taken painting classes “here and there.” Her favorite medium is watercolor.

When she and her husband sold a marina they owned in Somerset County in May, she set about to make her dream come true.

“I was very inspired by the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside,” she says. “I wanted my shop to be a mini version of that.”

There were two attached spaces available at the Fourth Street location she found, between McFeely's Gourmet Chocolate and the Laurel Highlands Meadery tasting room. She considered renting one, then decided to take both to be able to do all the things she had in mind.

Shabby chic

One side of the shop is dedicated to a wide array of gift items, including jewelry and other wearables, candles, whimsical clocks, seasonal decorations and much more. There's also a part-time, one-eyed shop cat named Sunny.

The name came from a favorite feather necklace and from the notion that finding a feather symbolizes hope and happiness, Alaia says.

The design and atmosphere were inspired by a visit to the Southtown Arts District of San Antonio, Texas.

“I wanted a sort of shabby chic look. I wanted it to be warm and welcoming, and I wanted some funny things,” she says. “I love to hear people laughing.”

Many of the items are made in the United States, others are fair trade pieces from around the globe. Alaia says she's also interested in promoting local artists.

She carries “Wood Spirits” wood carvings made by Joann Tipping of Turtle Creek. She also has walking sticks and wooden wall pieces sporting colorful birds made by her own father, Glenn Davis of Manor.

Alaia tapped another family connection for the first exhibition in the gallery. Her brother Lance Davis of Monroeville contributed a show of brilliantly colored photographs taken during his international travels, from the desert Southwest, Europe and Africa.

On display through the end of November is “Reclaimed Roots,” with paintings on wood by Dianne Campbell.

“I have a new artist booked monthly through November 2018,” Alaia says. “I think that shows how much interest people have for a gallery in this area of the county.”

The gallery also is used for yoga sessions.

Painting parties

Alaia says the classroom already is drawing interest for painting classes and parties geared to both children and adults, with space for about 20 participants.

Similar to Painting with a Twist businesses, Alaia has an array of paintings that visitors can choose to reproduce or she will help them craft their own. There also are various ceramic figures available for painting.

Alaia says the early days have just been a taste of what she hopes to offer. She's planning for aromatherapy information sessions, chalk painting classes and live music. Holiday-themed events also are on the slate.

“Winter gets boring,” she says. “I'm hoping to liven things up.”

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-836-5750, smcmarlin@tribweb.com or via Twitter @shirley_trib.