Melanie Brooks-Settles, left, co-owner of the new Walls of Color gallery and the MelRose Boutique that it shares building space with, is photographed along with Lauralei Kamees, manager of the art gallery. The gallery and boutique are located at 3204 Brainerd Road, with its entrance in the back.Owner: Melanie Brooks Settles
Name: Walls of Color Gallery
Location: 3204 Brainerd Road
Opened: Feb. 1
Service: Sells art pieces from both local and international artists that cost anywhere from $20 to $50,000; features weekly artist workshops and shows
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, by appointment only Monday and Tuesday
Staff: Three employees
How it got started: "I've traveled to several major cities and we wanted to bring that flavor a big-city art gallery to Brainerd Road," Settles said. "I grew up on Missionary Ridge and I felt this was the best place to establish a business like this. I've always been a lover of art. We wanted to bring something to the community that will fit well with the community "
Anticipated sales: "We want to bring in hundreds of thousands -- not just for the gallery but for the local artists. It's really for the love of art for us, not money."
Five-year goal: To continue to showcase local artists and to build a reputation as a place where artists sell art and the community can enjoy, create and buy art.
Why Brainerd: "We're trying to create the Brainerd Road art district. We're hoping that with the framing shop down the street, a canvas shop down the street, a handmade furniture shop and a T-shirt shop that just opened across the street we can create an art community. These are mom and dad, local folks showcasing their stuff. We want it to be the next Main Street, the next Fraizer Avenue. We want to bring it back to Brainerd."
Phone number: 423-710-2305