If you’re looking to shop Kristen Baird® Jewelry in person, there’s one place you have to visit: Gallery 209 on River Street. I’ve been a member of this historic gallery since 2013 and it’s the closest thing I have to a personal storefront. You can shop the widest range of Kristen Baird® pieces across all collections right in the heart of Savannah.
Gallery 209 is a must-see destination for anyone visiting our city for the first time or any local Savannahian interested in diving more deeply into this gem of a city. As we gear up to celebrate our 50th Anniversary in January, here are some things that make Gallery 209 special.
A Unique and Historic Venue
The first thing you’ll fall in love with when you visit Gallery 209 is the building itself. We’re located in a historic cotton warehouse dating back to the 1820s, with beautiful exposed brick, a floating staircase, and views of the Savannah River.
The gallery has been located in this iconic location on River Street for 50 years, which means it’s seen the district evolve from a place few dared to visit, to a hip artisan neighborhood, to the bustling attraction it is today. Through all this transformation, Gallery 209 has operated continuously as an artist co-op, promoting the work of local creators.
What’s a Co-op?
A co-op is a gallery owned and operated by the artists themselves. Each of the over 30 artists represented by the gallery owns a small portion of the business, which means we call the shots. It also means we’re responsible for the day-to-day operations and keeping the business running.
When I first interviewed to join Gallery 209, I was fresh out of my program at SCAD. This incredible cohort of artists was among the first people to take me under their wing and show me what it was really like to run a business in the real world. They taught me how to display, price my work, and track inventory - all the essential and unglamorous aspects of the job. Now that I am a veteran member, I strive to pass on that wisdom to our younger artists.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the gallery was forced to close for four months, we all stuck together and contributed to keeping the place afloat. This experience demonstrated our resilience as artists. The sense of community and dedication really indicated to me just how special Gallery 209 is.
When you shop at a co-op gallery, you are truly supporting local artists in every aspect of their careers.
Who are the artists at Gallery 209?
Aside from yours truly, there are over 30 incredible Savannah artists who call Gallery 209 home. It would be easy for me to rave about every single one of them, but since this is a blog and not a book, I’ve chosen a few artists who represent the wide range of mediums and the incredible talent represented by the gallery.
Luba Lowry - I love Luba’s paintings so much that I even own one myself. It’s hanging right beside my dining room table! Born in Kazakhstan, Luba lived and traveled all over the world before attending SCAD and making Savannah her home. Her modern portraits and stunning Savannah landscapes are worth the trip alone.
Erica Catherine - Erica Catherine is an illustrator and Savannah native who transforms everyday products with her ethereal graphite and watercolor designs. Her pieces make the most wonderful souvenirs or gifts for a special occasion.
Emmy Davidian - I’d be remiss not to include another amazing jewelry designer on this list, and I’m a huge fan of fellow SCAD alumna Emmy Davidian. Her fascinating use of materials, bright colors, and splashy shapes make her jewelry completely unique and fun. She’s also a savvy up-and-coming businesswoman, which I have to admire!
Napoleon Wilkerson - Yet another SCAD alum (starting to see a pattern here?), Napoleon’s paintings speak to the heart of Savannah’s culture and spirit. His vibrant paintings celebrate the music of our city as well as iconic local hot spots. I especially love his tender paintings of his children.
Bill Rousseau - Bill has been a friend and mentor to me from the moment I joined Gallery 209 as a wide-eyed 23-year-old. His intricate architectural paintings capture the beauty of Savannah in stunning detail. He compliments his depictions of classic buildings with gorgeous gardens and nature scenes, creating lush landscapes you could walk right into.
Olivia Beaumont - Olivia’s captivating portraits of animals have been described as “haunting and soulful.” There’s also a touch of whimsy to the richly dressed characters. Her paintings make you feel as though you’ve gotten lost in a magical world. You just have to see them in person!
Tim Dunbar - Tim uses a lathe to create stunning woodworking pieces in a wide range of styles and complexity. From intricate pots to furniture and even a sailboat, if it’s made of wood Tim has mastered it. Stop by the gallery to marvel at his creations. (Sorry, we don’t have the sailboat!)
Wow! I had a hard time narrowing down this list, and there are still so many more artists I could highlight. You’ll just have to swing by the gallery to see them all. In the meantime, don’t forget to follow @Gallery209Savannah on Instagram!
