New Art Gallery and Studio Opens In Peachtree Corners

Peachtree Corners has added a new business to its roster - and one that's rather unique to the city - an art gallery and studio.

The city is blessed with lots of retail businesses but stands out as a one-of-a-kind for the area.

The new store is located in the Village of Peachtree Corners shopping center just two doors down from .

A step inside and shoppers are surrounded by the original work of local artists including four from Peachtree Corners. The new store is filled with pottery, sculptures, paintings, jewelry and photography displayed in a gallery setting.

For owners Carla and Sheri Snyder, it was a dream that finally came to reality. "I've always wanted to own my own business said Carla Snyder on opening day.

It was a leap of faith for both women. Her partner, Sheri Snyder who has been a potter for 25 years, finally made the move and made it her full time job.

Sheri Snyder, who holds a degree in fine art, spent 30 years as a graphic designer before spreading her wings and opening Objet d'Art.

Carla Snyder says it's a part-time job for her as she'll keep her day job as a validation engineer.

When the two women finally decided to take the plunge and open the gallery and studio they started talking with their friends about spreading the word to recruit artists who might be interested in displaying their work on a consignment basis.

"We've had a lot of interest, more art came in then we ever thought would come in on opening day," said Carla Snyder.

"All of a sudden I had five people at my door asking if they could display their work for consignment," said Sheri Snyder who added they went from 40 to 80 artists who wanted to be involved.

The Peachtree Corners artists with their work on display include Jennifer Barnard, Shelly Roberts Miryam Relias and Sheri Snyder.

The new shop has merchandise that should fit nearly everyone's pocketbook with prices ranging from $6 for a small pottery piece to $9,500 for a hand-painted wooden screen.

Angela Jackson, who works with Sheri Snyder and her daughter Taylor, drove from Marietta for opening day. "We wanted to be here to support her," said Angela Jackson who was considering a purchase of a piece of pottery.

"We thought about opening a gallery and studio for a long time," said Sheri Snyder. "We began the process in February.

Both Sheri and Carla Snyder like the fact that the store is just two miles from their home. Sheri Snyder and other artists will also be conducting artist workshops. "We're going to offer a wide variety of classes," said Sheri Snyder.

Objet d'Art's has studio space for about 50 and offers instructor-led classes on a variety of mediums including canvas painting, pottery, stained and fused-glass classes, paper-making and weaving.

"I am very excited to see Object d’Art open in Peachtree Corners," said City Council member Jeanne Aulbach who was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It is the first step forward in nurturing an active arts community here. The arts are the heart of any community.”

The store hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday and Sunday from 12 - 5 p.m., address: 5270 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 110, telephone: 678-429-2550, website, www.objetdartgallery.com