An oversized, chartreuse-colored glass sculpture hangs suspended between two upstairs windows of Imago Gallery, drawing the traveling eye skyward from Highway 74.
The work of art resembles a squid and is one of many created by renowned American glass sculptor Dale Chihuly that are displayed throughout the gallery, including a trio in the new outdoor sculpture garden. But not all the pieces are larger than life.
“I wanted to provide something more portable and affordable to fans of Dale’s work who do not have the space or money for his larger pieces,” says Imago owner Leisa Austin.
Enter the gallery’s new gift shop: In addition to Chihuly’s smaller-scale blown glass studio edition pieces, displayed in glass boxes, the shop offers beautiful works by other fine artists, including Joanna Manousis, Jean Wells, and Keith Haring, as well as decorative art books by Assouline, Taschen, and Phaidon.
This holiday season, also find such stocking stuffers as limited-edition sunglasses by Barbara Kruger; printed silk ties by Hunt Slonem, depicting the artist’s iconic images; Pegge Goertzen’s exquisite jewelry and handbags, all intricately crafted with vintage fabrics and materials; and tree ornaments by William Wegman, inscribed with humorous holiday sayings.
“I curated items based on what I’d like to have myself,” Austin says. “The shop represents all of my favorite artists and things.”