EASTHAMPTON — Nash Gallery, a staple on Cottage Street, will close this month after two decades.
Originally named Nashawannuck Gallery, Mai Stoddard opened the shop in 1995. She said it’s “bittersweet” seeing the gallery go after 23 years.
“It’s time for change and I think this change is great,” Stoddard said.
Her daughter, Marlies, took ownership in 2009 and rebranded the business as Nash Gallery. The shop sells locally crafted gifts, jewelry and apparel. The gallery has hosted over 100 fine art exhibitions, fundraisers and the annual painting competition “The Easthampton Paint Out,” according to Marlies Stoddard.
She said she’s pursuing a new field, and in March she’ll start a six-month farrier and blacksmithing course in Missouri.
Marlies Stoddard announced the business will close Feb. 17. From Saturday until the last day open, Nash Gallery will have a sale with retail merchandise 50 to 75 percent off.
Mai Stoddard, 75, said when she started the business in 1995, she tapped into the strength of the community — the art.
“I can’t remember exactly what it was like. It was certainly very different,” she said. “Now it’s so vibrant.”
At first, she was just focused on fine art, but she noticed there was no gift shop in the area. As time went on, she added more gifts like pottery and jewelry.
When Marlies Stoddard, 44, took over the gallery, she said she found the right balance between fine art and gifts. She said it’s a place where a child can come into the gallery and buy a gift for their parent for under $10, but she’ll wrap it and make it feel as special as buying a $2,000 painting.
During that time, Marlies Stoddard said she was very active in the community. She chaired the Cottage Street Cultural District and was involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Easthampton City Arts and the Easthampton Cultural Council.
It’s been about a decade since Marlies Stoddard took over the gallery, and she said she’s come around full circle.
“It’s the end of an era,” she said.
She said she had a “wanderlust” to be outside and be more physical, so she asked herself “If you could do anything, what would you do?”
In the past, she worked in commercial fishing in Key West, Florida, and Nicaragua, as well as for a seaplane company.
She said she’s a lifelong equestrian and wanted to do something active and with her hands. She said the idea of shoeing horses and blacksmithing intrigued her.
“It’s a transformation,” Mai Stoddard said of the gallery closing. “Cottage Street has transformed.”
She added that Cottage Street is blossoming with art, music and culture, and she interested in seeing what takes the place of the Nash Gallery.
“The future is very bright,” she said.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.