When Jenn Raines moved the Quirks of Art last April from High Street to Prince George Street in Williamsburg, she knew she’d need more space to showcase the art she loved.
In February, after the closure of the longstanding downtown business Master Craftsmen, Raines saw an opportunity to open up just the sort of art gallery she wanted in that business’ old location.
The result is The Sideshow, a high-end art gallery, set to open on April 28 just up the road from Raines other store, Quirks of Art.
“When we moved from High Street to Prince George Street it was to a very small location, but it’s been good for our business,” Raines said about Quirks of Art. “We were looking for another bigger place where we could showcase our art work.”
When customers come into the shop, they walk into a foyer with harlequin patterned wall paper, red velvet curtains.
“We are working to create a destination shopping experience,” Raines said. “I’m hoping to use my years of experience in this field to create something really special.”
But before any customers visit the shop, the business needs a few finishing touches such as paint before it could be made into an art gallery, Raines said.
The new layout of the building will allow customers to meander through each of the galley’s rooms.
Patrons of the business will be able to walk in the front door, turn right and continuously walk through the building until they end up right where they started.
The best part, Raines said, is that customers will be able to see something “unique” in every room, Raines said.
While Raines remodels the building at 221 North Boundary St., artwork and “art furniture” such as handcrafted lamps from Seattle, Washington, wait for The Sideshow’s grand opening.
Customers will be able to find “whimsical curiosities” as well as fine glass art, lighting, jewelry, vintage floor vinyls, and fine art at the shop, according to Raines.
The name for the business comes from Raines love of the “vintage Circus aesthetic.”
“Life is kind of a sideshow, it’s quirky and weird and interesting,” Raines said. “And also just because of where this is situated, it is kind of a bit of a sideshow from what has been considered our main business.”
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