Business features works of local artists, craftsmen

The recently opened ETC. of Harlem is a place for artists and craftsmen of Columbia County to display and sell their works.

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"We want one-of-a-kinds," said Ann Blalock, a co-owner of the art consignment store specializing in art, antiques and collectibles.

Blalock opened the store with Loreen Reynolds in February at 212 N. Louisville St., in the former Farmer's Daughter location. The shop features oil and acrylic paintings, pottery, metal art, crafts, crocheted items, painted gourds, antiques and collectibles.

Featured artists are from the local area, including Harlem, Thomson, Martinez and Appling. The shop displays paintings by Minette Hatcher, Franz Schmidt and Appling resident Charlene Montgomery, birdhouses and other wood creations from Tom Blalock, and church paintings and painted gourds from Hannah Simons.

"Everything in here is local," Blalock said.

The shop also features the metal work of C.B. Ivey, a Martinez blacksmith who creates works from recycled materials.

"It is all out of junk," Blalock said while looking at a piece using a pitchfork, a plow blade and leaves made from used propane tanks. "It is all scrap metal."

Lucky Lady Pecans and Shakerock Farm goat milk soap and lotions also are for sale.

Blalock always has had a love of art. She and Reynolds said the shop evolved from their experiences volunteering at Attic Treasures, Harlem's nonprofit consignment store.

"I'm more on the craft side of it," Reynolds said.

The shop soon will start offering art classes taught by local artists or business owners, including hand-building and wheel pottery, drawings, painting and sewing.

"We're going to build on them," Blalock said.

The shop is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

For more information, or to view the artists' galleries, visit www.etcofharlem.com.