Main Street Art & Antique Gallery opens in Kilmarnock
A new art and antique mall has just opened its doors in Kilmarnock. Main Street Fine Art and Antique Mall opened for business July 1, offering furniture, original oils, and other treasures.
“This is a true family business,” said manager Lee Trimble, a local artist who will manage the day-to-day affairs of the Gallery. Her parents, Don and Bev Lewis of White Stone, purchased the cavernous building at 15 North Main Street. Her son Chris and daughter-in-law Kate will also work in the business.
“My father owned the Auslew Gallery in Norfolk and has many paintings that we will sell here,” Lee said.
In addition, the gallery will eventually be home to up to 50 dealers, who will offer high-end art and antiques. Dealers range from an interior decorator in Washington, DC who will sell Oriental rugs and fine porcelain to a collector who will sell signed pieces of antique furniture.
“We have many people in the area who have collected antiques and works or art all their lives. They're at a point now where they would like to downsize a bit, and we expect our dealers will handle many of those items. It's a great opportunity for buyers to pick up some wonderful pieces,” Lee said.
It will almost be like visiting a museum and being able to buy part of an exhibit. Lee will operate a studio in the gallery, and visitors can watch her at work, and even purchase a painting. Another dealer is constructing the façade of an old general store and will carve and sell likenesses of various waterfowl. Yet another will have a display like an old 19th century apothecary shop.
Chris will specialize in furniture repair and refinishing, and the restoration of old paintings.
“We will be selling lots of old original oil paintings. Most are from the 19th or early 20th centuries,” Lee said.
Many Kilmarnock businesses express pleasure at the addition of the gallery to Main Street, saying it is likely to increase the draw of visitors to the town. The Rappahannock Art League Studio Gallery right next door, and various art and antique shops are nearby.
“It's clear that Kilmarnock is becoming a destination for people in search of fine art and antiques,” Lee said.
Lee has plenty of experience as she takes on this new project. Besides being an artist, she has operated a gift shop in Williamsburg, an antique shop in Saluda and has coordinated various antique shows.
Main Street Fine Art and Antique Mall will be open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. The gallery may be reached by calling 435-7771.
