Gift shop becomes outlet for local craftsmen and designers
A gift shop, which boasts a mixture of traditional Guyanese products mixed with contemporary designs, is providing an outlet for gifted designers and artists to showcase their talents.
Calabash Gift Shoppe, whose slogans are 'uniquely diverse craft' and 'celebrate the uniqueness and individuality in you', is located at 61 Hadfield and Cross Sts.
Co-owner Elizabeth Hughes, in an interview with Stabroek Business described the persons who frequent Calabash as "people who have a discerning taste and want to express their individuality."
Attorney Nigel Hughes and Surinamese, Arthur Thijm are the other co-owners. At least 14 artists and designers of handicraft, jewellery, clothing and pottery are featured.
Hughes noted that for this job she has to create the ground rules. "You have to keep working at it," she says, it's like a "constant work of art."
So far the response is encouraging, she says, with locals, returning Guyanese, expatriates and tourists making up the list of customers.
Four promotional activities were held so far this year, one being a hat show.
The jewellery is made from sterling silver, elements of nature, fibres, recycled glass, beads, leaves, sand, safety pins, sea glass, bamboo and seeds, while the clothing is mainly hand dyed or painted cotton. Currently products made from rare woods including pens and bowls enjoy a good response.
Hughes says the prices are reasonable given that each item is one of a kind and an expression of Guyanese craftsmanship.