Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Future...

I've been hinting around a lot on Facebook and the blog about some of the "next chapters" and future developments for me and for Allegory Gallery.  I really haven't been able to say anything official... until now.

So what does the future hold... well, it's a little project that we've given the pet-name, "The Allegory Annex".

What the Annex will be is our future online shop headquarters, my personal studio, and a supplemental space for small classes.   But what it'll really be is a form of freedom.

Up until now, I've been at the physical shop almost daily.  While it brings a lot of rewards setting down roots in the community... by taking on the brunt of manning the store, there are projects that have been pushed to the side because of it and others that have suffered because I've only been able to be partially invested in them.  So the new supplemental facilities will allow me to 1) Divide and prioritize.  2) Focus on my strengths.  3) Create additional avenues of income and offer jobs to people in the community.

I'm not stepping back completely from the physical store... I will still be there a few hours everyday and be there on the weekends.  My role there will take on a more managerial flare and consist of creating concrete goals for others to follow and hopefully share.  The core missions of Allegory Gallery will not change... they'll just have an additional pillar of support to rest upon.

Besides being in the store 25 hours a week instead of 50 hours a week, there will be a few other significant changes for me personally.  My own online shop will change focus and offer more of my two- dimensional artwork and possibly some of my finished jewelry.  The components will either be absorbed into the Allegory Gallery Online Store or be discontinued.  Hopefully I can get rid of a lot of it through more of my Destashing efforts!  I will also be able to devote myself more to organizing events and retreats, continue building our online community, and sharing some of the things that we're doing more.  I'll also be able to move all my beads and art supplies that are infiltrating every room in our home.

The space is pretty raw at the moment.  It's actually stuck somewhere in the 70's with the dated wallpaper, wood veneer paneling and the groovy carpet (underneath the dirty carpet shown in the above picture).  It's cluttered with old office furniture, building materials and obsolete computers.  But even still... there's a sense of possibility and purpose.  It's a diamond in the rough.  I'll have to put a lot of elbow grease into transforming the space into a welcoming and creative environment, but I think it'll be worth it.  I don't think that anything we've done has been easy so far... but it has felt right and we've had the help and support of many people who have had our backs.

As we embark further on this journey, the picture of what Allegory Gallery is keeps expanding and growing.  It encompasses more people and the family becomes stronger.  The future is bright.

13 comments:

Joan Tucker said...

Best of luck in this new venture; I love start ups, new directions, growing.. it is fantastic to manifest your vision. Hugs, Joan T and Lana

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Glad to hear that you are expanding your vision of Allegory Gallery! It will bring growth both structurally and personally-enjoy the adventure!

Unknown said...

I love that you're re-doing a space :) I am fantasizing about fixing up my area at home and I know how central that work can be to one's well-being! I look forward to looking at your pictures and progress.

Unknown said...

Congrats! Can't wait to see what you will make in your new studio space.

Courtney Breul said...

This all sounds amazing and wonderful. Congratulations.

SummersStudio said...

That's exciting news. Best of luck on this new journey. Sounds like you are moving in exactly the right direction.

TesoriTrovati said...

That is exciting. So happy for you! I know that having your own business is fraught with big decisions and uncertainty but it certainly seems to me that you are headed in the right direction! Having a plan is a great thing and it sounds like this will keep propelling you forward. Best wishes to you on this new venture and expansion! Enjoy the day. Erin

Erin S said...

this sounds GREAT, Andrew! I know you will make that space into something special. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

Cyndi J said...

Congrats and best of luck with the new space and chapter. Sounds like a great plan.

Jenny said...

Thats going to be fantastic! So glad to hear it! Time and space for you to create! Sweet.

Unknown said...

It is lovely post.I like it.Congratulation for this efforts....!



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Anonymous said...

How exciting! A new project just in time for Fall. Good for you- creating new space for your creative self and new endeavors. ;)

belvedere beads said...

"Personal Studio" I love the sound of that.