It frustrated Judith Zehmke that she couldn’t afford the gallery art in Jacksonville’s historic district when she lived in Florida. Looking to purchase reasonably priced, original art, Zehmke teamed with a friend who had collected art from local, up-and-coming artists. She began showcasing the works to other friends who also felt priced out of the market.
When Zehmke relocated to Charlotte in 2007, she continued selling artwork from Florida to her new friends until she connected with local artists in the Queen City.
“I was selling local art on playgrounds, swim lessons, soccer fields and at the YMCA,” says Zehmke. “I want people to be exposed to art and really feel comfortable when browsing. That’s why I decided to move my operation to my home. If my customers wanted affordable art for their house, maybe they could see it in mine first.”
Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council and has written for NRV Magazine for a decade. She is a member of The Mama Movement and a proud mom to a curious toddler. Krisha is a community advocate and connector and runs an event production organization that hosts Up on the Roof. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Alexandria Gazette among others. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores.