The seventh installment in our series on Featured Stores and Galleries…
Nashville. Music City. Home to The Black Keys and Vanderbilt University. A town as well-known for the homemade biscuits of the famous Loveless Café as it is for the music of the Grand Old Opry. There’s history here, and few American cities are as richly steeped in antebellum-meets-modern culture as this one. It’s also one of the few urban areas in the United States where over 60% of the population attends church (this is the “Buckle” of the Bible Belt, y’all). You’ll find folks wearing cowboy boots and stilettos, farm gear and the latest fashions. The weather can be warm and mellow or unexpectedly changeable, much like the cultural climate of this beautiful Southern city. The one thing that is always consistent in this town is the hospitality of its people and the sense of welcoming one feels, whether tourist or hometown regular.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Nashville. I also had the pleasure of visiting one of the city’s retail mainstays and longtime seller of Philippa Roberts jewelry, A Thousand Faces. Located just steps away from world-renowned Pancake Pantry, A Thousand Faces is a place that attracts both tourists and locals alike. It’s casual yet artsy, and full of colorful things and delightful wares. Though the morning of my tarriance was gray and drizzly, the streets were bustling with loads of out-of-towners who had traveled to see Maroon 5 the night before. From what I could tell, Sunday brunch seemed to be on everyone’s minds. After grabbing a quick bite myself, I headed over to my destination and received a wonderful tour, courtesy of shop owner Linda Turner. I even got to meet her lively, bowtie-wearing husband Lester when he stopped by. Meeting this cordial couple made my short visit even that much more enjoyable.
Linda & Lester
A Thousand Faces opened its doors on April 1, 1991, originally in a small 400 sq ft spot on Second Street, moving to its current location just a few years later. Gallery-like in its presentation, the shop features artisan jewelry and other goods –glass, metal, wood, pottery and fiber—a thoughtful and interesting mix intended to delight all who enter. Much like Philippa, Linda jumped right in with both feet when she was ready to open her retail business, utilizing the knowledge gleaned during her time as an artist and manufacturing representative. Linda makes her own jewelry and paints, too. Houston Llew of Spiritiles even turned one of her paintings into an original piece to include as part of his collection. Linda credits Elmer, an A Thousand Faces employee and jewelry designer in his own right (the shop also features his work), for inspiring her to create jewelry herself. So, as their website suggests, this inviting place has”A Plethora of Neat Stuff”–wonderful wares and wonderfully creative people.
And, just how long has A Thousand Faces been home to Philippa Roberts jewelry? “I think we have been selling Philippa since the first show she did in Philly with her Mom. So…a long time! It has been a pleasure to work with Philippa all these years and watch both of our businesses evolve. I have several pieces of hers in my personal jewelry box, and my favorites are her simple, classic, organic styles. We’ve dedicated a six-foot jewelry case exclusively to Philippa’s jewelry: one side is for sterling silver pieces and the other is vermeil. The customers here especially love her pearl collection in silver and vermeil.”
A Thousand Faces also carries work by local artists—Modern Bronze, Freshie & Zero, Simon & Lulu by Linda Turner (and named after her pups!)—and work by well known, national artists like Rebecca Overmann and Martha Sullivan. Linda says she likes to keep things fresh so there’s always something new to be seen, even if you’ve visited hundred times before.
Nashville is a vibrant city with so much to offer both locals and the many tourists that visit each year. With plenty of live music to enjoy, dining, and small local shops such as A Thousand Faces to catch one’s fancy, what more could you ask for? This delightful destination is definitely worth the visit. A Plethora of Neat Stuff awaits.
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A Thousand Faces 1720 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212 615.298.3304 www.athousandfaces.com
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A Thousand Faces Notables:
On April Fool’s Day, 2013, A Thousand Faces celebrated its 22nd Anniversary!
House favorites: Rebecca Overmann, Dawes Designs, Looka, Philippa Roberts, Jewelry by Viki, Elmer, Modern Bronze, Freshie & Zero, Simon & Lulu, Mixture soy candles, Virgils art glass, Spiritiles by Houston Llew
A Thousand Faces gives back to its community by donating to silent auctions for organizations like Our Kids, Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, The Cat Shoppe, and others.
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