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Its hard to keep the 'STORY' of Giving Tree Gallery from being just a huge fan letter to my mom, Judith, because the two things are inseparable. Every inch of the galleries two levels of jewelry and home accessories, and the adjoining 4 acres of sculpture gardens and nature paths is the result of Judith's vision, fortitude and perseverance. Here is how it all began.
Judith purchased a run down building and the 4 acres of overgrown untended land in East Sandwich, Mass in 1988 and worked ceaselessly for the next year to build the space around the work of artist Barry Pinske. Barry and Judith together knocked down walls, painted, chainsawed, planted, and toiled until the gallery was ready to be open to the public.
The first few years were beyond hard. Trying to convince vacationing tourists to take home a 12 foot sculpture was a huge task! Still, Judith worked 7 days a week, 16 hours a day. When Barry moved on to open his own gallery, Judith then had to fill the space and gardens again. She turned to the talent of local Cape Cod artists, and over the next 15 years came to be regarded as a champion of the arts on Cape Cod. A tireless patron, and the biggest supporter of local artists.
When the Boston Globe called Giving Tree Gallery 'The only place to stop on Route 6a" it was clear her work was being recognized.
Still, sculpture was a hard sell, and ever forward thinking, Judith decided it was time to explore other options. She started selling jewelry, both locals work and better known national artists. Her philosophy was to know each artist personally, and support their craft with every bit of her energy. She started the website 9 years ago.. WAY before it was 'de rigueur' for companies, and was completely FEARLESS in this regard. She saw potential and possibility in a market not yet tapped.
Meanwhile, I was spinning, surfing, and cocktail waitressing my way through my 20's in Southern California. My first 'real' job out of college (the University of Iowa.. go Hawkeyes!) was working as an assistant to Oliver Stone. On the set for months on end, I experienced 'Hollywood' from a remarkable vantage point... but.. I missed Cape Cod.. and more than this, I missed feeling truly committed to something I really believed in.
I went home for what I thought was a long weekend the summer of 2002. I never went back. Working side by side with my mom Judith on the gallery, gardens, and most extensively, the web site, I had found what I was looking for. A career I loved and the chance to be inspired everyday by the person I believe in most.
Judith still works 16 hour days, but now, I'm by her side. We think a lot about what can separate our business from the thousands of others out there on the world wide web. My answer is us. Just like mom created a business where she knows and loves each and every one of our artists, the web site is the place where we strive to KNOW and love each and every one of you, our customers.
We are always here, always available to help you, and always, always committed to making this business the best it can be. And to being the best to each other. Which is the thing that matters most.
Judith purchased a run down building and the 4 acres of overgrown untended land in East Sandwich, Mass in 1988 and worked ceaselessly for the next year to build the space around the work of artist Barry Pinske. Barry and Judith together knocked down walls, painted, chainsawed, planted, and toiled until the gallery was ready to be open to the public.
The first few years were beyond hard. Trying to convince vacationing tourists to take home a 12 foot sculpture was a huge task! Still, Judith worked 7 days a week, 16 hours a day. When Barry moved on to open his own gallery, Judith then had to fill the space and gardens again. She turned to the talent of local Cape Cod artists, and over the next 15 years came to be regarded as a champion of the arts on Cape Cod. A tireless patron, and the biggest supporter of local artists.
When the Boston Globe called Giving Tree Gallery 'The only place to stop on Route 6a" it was clear her work was being recognized.
Still, sculpture was a hard sell, and ever forward thinking, Judith decided it was time to explore other options. She started selling jewelry, both locals work and better known national artists. Her philosophy was to know each artist personally, and support their craft with every bit of her energy. She started the website 9 years ago.. WAY before it was 'de rigueur' for companies, and was completely FEARLESS in this regard. She saw potential and possibility in a market not yet tapped.
Meanwhile, I was spinning, surfing, and cocktail waitressing my way through my 20's in Southern California. My first 'real' job out of college (the University of Iowa.. go Hawkeyes!) was working as an assistant to Oliver Stone. On the set for months on end, I experienced 'Hollywood' from a remarkable vantage point... but.. I missed Cape Cod.. and more than this, I missed feeling truly committed to something I really believed in.
I went home for what I thought was a long weekend the summer of 2002. I never went back. Working side by side with my mom Judith on the gallery, gardens, and most extensively, the web site, I had found what I was looking for. A career I loved and the chance to be inspired everyday by the person I believe in most.
Judith still works 16 hour days, but now, I'm by her side. We think a lot about what can separate our business from the thousands of others out there on the world wide web. My answer is us. Just like mom created a business where she knows and loves each and every one of our artists, the web site is the place where we strive to KNOW and love each and every one of you, our customers.
We are always here, always available to help you, and always, always committed to making this business the best it can be. And to being the best to each other. Which is the thing that matters most.
