Miya Gallery in downtown Weaverville and its new owners, Jason Janow and Mary Timmer are hosting a Grand Reopening Celebration on June 17. The duo assumed ownership in December from Jennifer Jenkins, an original founding member of the gallery that first opened its doors in 2004. “It was time to have some fresh air breathed into it,” said Jenkins — who still has her jewelry-making studio located there. Jan Justice, another founding member who is an avid collector and patron of handcrafted jewelry, also expressed her support of the new owners.
But while some things change, others stay the same. Miya Gallery will keep its name and still represent more than 40 local artists, including potters, ceramic sculptors, glass artists, fiber and paper artists, painters, and photographers. The main focus will also remain Miya Gallery’s carefully curated collection of handmade and custom-designed jewelry, with four studio jewelers on site — Jenkins, Timmer, Janow, and newcomer Chris Van Dyke. After a long run of owning his own jewelry store and gallery in downtown Asheville, Van Dyke decided to scale things down a bit, work closer to home, and rent a studio space at Miya. Renting a studio there was also how Timmer and Janow originally joined Miya Gallery, after getting to know Jenkins while the trio of artists was enrolled in the Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program’s jewelry division.
All four of the gallery’s current on-site jewelers also share a strong connection through their membership in the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Their work — crafted from precious materials such as sterling silver, diamond, 18-karat gold, freshwater pearls, rubies, opals, garnets, and lapis lazuli — ranges from exquisitely stylish pendants, necklaces, and watches to rings, bracelets, and earrings. The collection is constantly refreshed with new designs, and Miya Gallery also offers expert jewelry repairs.
The most recent creations will be highlighted during the Grand Reopening, which will also feature other Miya Gallery artists as well as libations, light snacks, door prizes, and a raffle. As Janow explains, “Mary and I wish to celebrate the new ownership and continuation of the gallery. We’re very proud to be carrying on the existence of a brick and mortar, and one with such a great history in Weaverville.”
The celebration takes place Friday, June 17, 6-8pm. Miya Gallery, 20 North Main St., Weaverville. www.miyagallery.com. 828-658-9655.