Kim Ethridge's new Gg's shop in Hixson (an abbreviation for "got gifts") offers local art, furniture and home accessories as well as classes involving crafts, art and design.
Gg's owner Kim Ethridge, left, sits with interior designer Andra Dickey, who sells furniture and home accessories in the new Hixson shop and will lead its upcoming Wine and Design workshop Nov. 15."We want to be real involved in the community and have it be a place where people can come and learn in the workshops, support local artisans and build a sense of community," she said.
Ethridge also sells her wares through booths in the small Tennessee towns of Tullahoma and Bell Buckle, where she worked with Chattanoga resident Beth Sulcer, who owns Chat-R-Bug. Ethridge helped Sulcer set up her shop in Hixson last year and decided to open her own in the adjoining space.
"I have a sweet spot for Hixson," said Ethridge, who attended Hixson High for one year in 1973 before her father's job transfer forced her to move. "I had to get back in some format."
Among the local artists featured at Gg's is Bryant Williams, a descendant of Ephram Hixson Jr. whose oil paintings are inspired by the landscapes of Monet.
Former Big Ridge Elementary art teacher Caroline Cook sells her artwork, hand-painted cards, flower arrangements and felt and painted holiday ornaments at Gg's. Her brother, Red Bank resident Ben Layne, also sells his stained glass pieces at the shop.
"I love the colors he uses," said Ethridge of Layne. "What caught my eye was the colors and markings inspired by Indian blankets."
Gg's also offers a selection of unique home decor, including furniture from Tom Nelson out of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Interior designer Andra Dickey, who has 30-plus years of experience, sells a variety of items in the shop including furniture and home accessories such as lamps, mirrors and framed art.
She will lead Gg's next workshop titled "Wine and Design," with two classes scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15 at 2 and 6:30 p.m.
"Andra talks to us about the nine decorating mistakes we make and how to correct them," said Ethridge.
Next in the workshop series are wreath-making classes scheduled for Friday, Nov. 16 and Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. both days.
More classes will be announced on an ongoing basis, said Ethridge. Stay updated by signing up for the store's email list by emailing artistcjcook@gmail.com.