Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/636897
Local Ar t Store Provides Supplies and Networ king P acific Grove native and artist Germain Hatcher feels lucky to live in a community that's fostered the careers of countless painters, pho- tographers, sculptors and other creative individuals. "We've had amazing artists come through the area, and we've got incredible artists settled here now," she says. "They've created here. They've built this community...and when you've got an area that's built on the arts, you should maintain that history." Hatcher, a manager at the Monterey Peninsula's former Searle Art Supplies and Art Max, opted to open her own store in September, two years after those shops closed. Her fresh Forest Avenue space is small and cozy by design, with a boutique-like feel and a carefully curated selection supplies by Golden Artist Colors, Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Copic and other respected brands. In addition to acrylic, oil and watercolor paints, Hatcher stocks drawing paper, charcoal paper, colored pencils, canvas, mark- ers and decorative paper for wrapping and scrapbooking. While she select- ed many of her favorite lines, she also looks to local artists for requests. "It's about the artists in the community making this their own art store," says Hatcher. "If I don't have it, I can order it for them." At the same time, she wants her shop to be a gathering spot where artists can chat with their peers. To strengthen those connections, Hatcher is working with local photographer Amber Maharjan on the Halo Project. The pair photographs local artists with their tools and inspirations, and they're assembling those photos in print and digital catalogs that introduce participants while also serving as a reference for potential clients. "There are so many wonderful artists living here, but few really know each other. Germain has created this super hub for us," says Maharjan. Imagine Art Supplies is located at 309 Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove. For store information, or to get involved with the Halo Project artist directory, please call 831/372-1388 or email imagineartsupplies@gmail.com. —Renee Brincks SHORTCUTS ART Artist Germain Hatcher opened Imagine Art Supplies in Pacific Grove to fill a community need for art supplies and to provide a hub where artists and clients can collaborate. Her space on Forest Avenue carries art and scrapbooking supplies. 58 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 Photo: Kelli Uldall