Introducing the new "Mall of The Arts"! The grand opening of this innovative shop took place on May 26 at the City Center Mall, marking a significant milestone for the art community in Thompson.
Andria Stephens, the Executive Director and Co-founder, shared her excitement about the collaborative effort that led to the shop's establishment. She recounted how the idea originated when her partner; Shorty (Don Glenn), who began up-cycling and selling items as a business. The growing collection of supplies and creations soon outgrew their space, prompting the search for a new location. This journey ignited the vision of creating a hub for arts in Thompson.
Despite initial skepticism, the team persevered and shaped their dream into a reality. Their concept involved creating an art center with kiosks resembling a farmer’s market, where local artists could showcase and sell their work. Additionally, they planned to offer a cultural café and live musical performances to enhance the shopping experience.
“Everyone thought the idea was way too big,” said Stephens. “So we started small, with hosting events online and in the City Center Mall”
Following a successful soft opening, the shop has become a hub for workshops, events, and locally-made merchandise. Notably, music teacher Harsh Patel now conducts classes at the "Mall of the Arts," filling the mall with the sounds of budding talent.
Andria Stephens elaborated on the shop's journey, highlighting their collaboration with local partners and the gradual expansion of their offerings. From small events around town to fashion shows, the organization’s influence continued to grow, ultimately culminating in the establishment of their storefront.
“We love hosting small events. We started doing fashion shows where we lay out that matts and decorate. We held several back-to-school fashion show, Halloween Fashion shows and Christmas Fashion shows which are now annual events” Stated Stephens
Shorty, who played a pivotal role in bringing the "Mall of the Arts" to life, as he emphasized the team's unwavering commitment to their vision. “both Andria and Andre stayed true to the vision and the mission. All the effort and time that they invested in this to get to this point is outstanding!”. He expressed his delight in providing a platform for Northern artists to gain exposure and support, emphasizing the organization's role in bringing visibility to talented individuals who may otherwise remain hidden.
“What this represents is a place for Northern artists to find support and exposure. That’s the heart of this organization, bringing life and visibility. A lot of people are in their basements or shed, doing what they love to do but without a market to present them. This gives an opportunity to showcase what they’re doing and giving them a space to share that skill and knowledge and an opportunity to be able to pass that on as well” Glenn stated, “This is a first step for us to have this space!”
While the journey has been challenging, the team's dedication has paved the way for a diverse range of art forms to thrive within the "Mall of the Arts." With offerings spanning from paintings to metal and woodwork, leathercraft, sewing, and knitting, the shop stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the local art community.
