Museums and More

Artist Spotlight: Haley Art & Design

"Nothing good comes without a risk.” Artist Connie Haley of Haley Art & Design isn’t quite certain where she first heard that line, but she’s repeated it to herself many times as she’s navigated her way through the art world. For the past eight years, she has been licensing her work to manufacturers and publishers who use it on a variety of products, from greeting cards to home decor to giftware. “All my art is created digitally, and the best way to describe it is that it’s sort of like digital quilting,” Haley said. “Sometimes I begin with a photo, or collage of photos, and turn them into a digital painting. Sometimes I make assorted patterns and background designs, then cut pieces and put them together to create an image.” Haley began her career as the owner of an advertising agency, but discovered art licensing…  » Read more

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Harmony Works

It would be an unusual day in the beachside destination of Riviera Village in South Redondo to not hear customers gasp when they walk into Harmony Works. Initially struck by the beauty and whimsy of the hundreds of green-made items for sale, they eventually notice the unique repurposed items used to display the wares. The front counter is made with granite that was found in a dumpster next to a bank that was being remodeled. The CDs for sale sit in a rack made from recycled windows found in the trash. The card rack is made from two recycled doors and many of the risers are old boxes, rocks and recycled drawers. This store doesn’t just sell green items; it’s created with green items. And Harmony Works co-owners Michael and Royce Amy Morales do more than just operate a gift store and gallery specializing in handmade,…  » Read more

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The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Store

Most people don’t realize there’s a big difference between a typical souvenir shop and a museum store. For Marcia Souers-Doell, product manager and developer for The Museum Store at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Ind., the difference is clear and shows on her shelves. The Museum Store differentiates itself with direct product connection to the museum’s collection and a visual immersion into the museum’s story. Many items are connected through signage placed next to products explaining their historical and cultural relationship to the museum’s story. “For example, we are currently selling a Dorothy Parker inspired martini glass etched with one of her more notable quotes,” Souers-Doell said. “Signage explains that Ms. Parker was an uncommon wit of the 1930s (historical and cultural connection) and drove a highly desirable Packard Convertible Coupe (automobile connection). It adds that more Packards may be viewed in…  » Read more

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The Business of Design

With competition for every discretionary dollar at an all time high, the importance of visual impact cannot be understated. And while not every institution has the resources to enlist the help of strategists and designers, there are still many ways to improve your use of space and increase store appeal. Lead by chairman Kenneth Nisch, AIA, the architectural firm of JGA has achieved success creating innovative and engaging retail environments for a diverse roster of clients, including the DIA, American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Arts & Design (shown above) and the Smithsonian Institute. He has also spoken at the National Museum Association conference. Museums & More had the opportunity to discuss successful design strategies for specialty stores. MM: How are museum and specialty stores different from the “typical” retail store? KN: They’re different than “typical” retail in that stores are always walking the…  » Read more

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Top Trends for 2010

It’s hard to predict exactly what consumers are going to want in the coming months, as even though consumer confidence may be on the rise, discretionary spending will be slow to follow. However, if the product is there and the price is right, they may just come on down for the sale. Use this time to take advantage of what you already know about the customers you have, and target products and promotions to these groups. While new customers are bound to come in, don’t forget about those faithful members who you’ve come to know by name. Regardless of who walks through your door, we have included our picks for the top trends in 2010. Tech and Teens Do you tweet? Does your store or destination have Facebook fans? Is your Web site comprehensive? Like it or not, vending has gone viral. It’s become quite evident…  » Read more

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