The
By Candice Smiley
first thing you need to know about Brie, is that she is a busy mom of twin boys, yet, she still found time to start her Salt of the Earth Gallery in October of last year (2019).
She said she had simple goals when she was getting started. The first being to secure space for her own studio, so she could find time for her creative passion. The second was classroom space for the art classes she wanted to teach, and finally, a space to feature women artists. It's at this moment that my ears really tune into her story. She is the first one I’ve interviewed in this series of Hidden Gems, that has made the distinction of focusing on women artists.
“All women makers,” she says. “That’s who I choose to feature, with a couple husband/wife teams. It's an interesting space, with very good energy and lots of interesting things in it.” 47
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Things like, thunder gourds, poetry, paintings, handmade clothing, jewelry, art; with most of it being from local artisans and artists. Her studio is open to the public, so you can watch as she paints and creates. Pre the pandemic, Brie had even started classes after school to teach and share her love for art. Each month she would host a guest artist. It's clear to me as a listener that education to the public about art, art forms, how to, is important to Brie.
She says, “ I want to help people to realise the value of handmade art.” I have to agree. She notes to me that her gallery stands out. There is a 22 by 44 foot mural on the wall, which helped to raise funds for 3 of the schools in the area.
I love that. I really love that.
