By Kirk Gollwitzer
kirk.gollwitzer@tryondailybulletin.com

It’s more than just luck that Heartwood Gallery Contemporary Crafts Gallery in Saluda has just had the best two months in their entire 30-year history of being in business. According to owner, Shelly DeKay, its being open seven-days a week, having a fully stocked inventory and giving back to the community she loves.

“One of the reasons for Heartwood’s success has been our passion for community. I have always believed that small business people survive by the creating strong, resilient communities. That is another reason we are open year round and seven days a week,” said DeKay.

DeKay believe that working within the infrastructure of the local community is a key factor for long-term, local success.

“We are a part of the Saluda Business Association, active members of the chamber, we advertise in our local publications and we volunteer for as much as we possibly can,” said DeKay.

“We started a new fundraising project three years ago for the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry in which we sold handmade ornaments and donated the entire amount collected to the ministry,” said DeKay. Last week Heartwood Gallery wrote out a check for $1,456 for the 2014 fundraiser.

In May of 2015, Heartwood Gallery will celebrate 30 years of being in business and during the entire month of January shoppers can reap the benefits of their success.

Beginning on their 24^th year of operations, DeKay began running a commemorative sale.

“I started doing a “However Many Years I was Open Sale,” off purchases over $100. During the year we began doing the sale, we gave customers $24 off purchases above $100. So this January, in celebration of being in business for 30 years, we are giving $30 off on purchases above $100.”

DeKay said that as the years tick by this type of sale is becoming harder to afford. “When we reach our 50^th anniversary we will no longer be able to afford to do it!” said DeKay.

Heartwood Gallery has a lot to offer in their store, which is neatly tucked within the center of town next to the Purple Onion.

“At any one time I have about 250 vendors, but over the years I’ve had thousands of vendors,” said DeKay. Last year alone, DeKay said they sold over 11,000 pieces of work, all out of their beautifully arraigned 1,200 sq. ft. store.

DeKay said that she rode in on the American Crafts wave, when the movement began in the early 80’s and has been surfing it ever since.

“I began as a weaver and when we first opened, what is now the Purple Onion was just a boarded up building with no floor in it,” said DeKay.

Among some of the noteworthy items for sale at Heartwood Gallery are their ceramic Parmentier lamps, Western North Carolina pottery, and the beautifully turned bowls made by Mark Gardner, a local wood artist. Hand-hammered copper candlesticks from San Rafael, Calif.-based Hessel Studios are also on display.

Heartwood Contemporary Crafts Gallery is located at 21 East Main Street in Saluda. More information can be found at heartwoodsaluda.com, on Facebook or by calling 828-749-9365.