Linda Parish plans to bring new art and antique businesses to the buildings next to The Oglethorpe Echo in downtown Lexington.
“There's a lot of talent in this county,” Parish said. “The art colony that we have out here is, I think, really important to the county. It brings people in, and we can do some really interesting things together.”
The buildings are divided into four main sections.
- The rightmost building (111 E. Main St.) will have an art gallery spotlighting local artists up at the entrance and a craft area in the back to be used for classes and workshops.
- The middle building (113 E. Main St.) will be a vintage and antiques room.
- The leftmost building (115 E. Main St.) will be used as another space for people to rent out booths and sell their own upcycled items.
However, Parish said interior renovations to make use of each separate section are ongoing, and she is unsure when the businesses will open. Because of the work, customers can stop by the middle building when the open sign is out.
Even though it’s a slow process, Parish said she feels good about the project.
These three historic buildings hold deep significance to the city and used to house a grocery store and car dealership, said Gina Holloway, who will be in the businesses with Parish. Most recently, a tax office and another antique store occupied the strip of buildings.
Two events have been held in the new businesses.
First Friday, which was on Feb. 7 in the rightmost building, highlighted artwork by Ruth Jones, who has been friends with Parish since they worked together in the 1970s. Parish also organized a holiday open house before Christmas for curious customers to tour the space.
Jones moved to Oglethorpe County from Atlanta last September after Parish approached her about the potential art gallery.
Jones said the county “felt like home” because she would frequently visit Parish. “Gallery One Eleven” was on display, featuring various textural paintings and other objects that Jones made.
A variety of craft activities are planned. Local Color, Parish’s other business, hosted group classes of 3-4 people, but this space will allow for larger groups.
She has invited teachers who would like to instruct their classes to reach out and also said there’s a possibility they will open up the space for crafting days, where people can work with provided art products.
Craft offerings:
- Chalk Couture: screen print transfers with chalk paste or ink, for use on hard surfaces, textiles and glass
- Rethunk Junk: resin paint and decorative finishes
- Iron Orchid Designs: Decorative rub on transfers and paint inlays, decor ink and stamps, decorative moulds for resin or clay.
- Soy candle making
- Junk journaling
Parish started planning her businesses “out of the blue” in April 2024, hoping to create something that would attract people to Lexington. Holloway said the feedback has been positive.
“I love old buildings. I’m so glad (Parish) bought it and it's going to be saved,” she said. “It's a lot of hard work, but it's going to pay off in the end. We've gotten a lot of phone calls: ‘Oh, I’m so glad y’all are saving that building’ and ‘Lexington needs something like this.’ I’m glad to hear that.”