Beloved Lexington Art and Jewelry Store, Artique Gallery, Set to Close after 44 Years
Following over four decades of service to the Lexington community, Artique Gallery, a distinguished art, and jewelry retailer located in Fayette Mall, has revealed plans to shut down its operations. Jaime Hurt, the co-owner of the venture, validated the reports and delivered a heartfelt message to loyal customers, alerting them of a major going-out-of-business sale scheduled to culminate with the store’s closure on March 30, 2024.
A Legacy of Resilience
Sadly reflecting upon the recurring struggle to keep the business viable in recent years, Jaime opened up, “Regrettably, I’ve penned this particular message a few times over the recent past…although, through some stroke of fortune, we were always able to regroup and press forward. However, it has now become undeniable that we must advance.”
Jaime expressed her appreciation for the enduring patronage, confessing her desire to “stop surviving, and start thriving.” She further urged the community to continue lending their support to local individual producers and small businesses.
An Era of Exquisite Craftsmanship
Since its establishment in 1980, Artique Gallery has been known for offering a versatile collection of handmade jewelry and art, handblown glass, clocks, and several other items crafted by skilled artisans. Founders Mike and Kathy Stutland started the business in downtown Lexington and expanded to a second location in Lexington Green in 1996. An additional store opened later at the Lexington Convention Center.
However, the gallery’s tenure at the Lexington Convention Center concluded abruptly in 2016, ahead of the center’s remodeling project. Subsequently, Jaime and C.W. Hurt took over the business as the Stutlands called time on their professional journey.
In a strategic shift, the Hurts relocated the store from Lexington Green to Fayette Mall in 2019, citing the vicinity of restaurants and elevated foot traffic as major influencers behind the decision.
Fadeout of A Vibrant Beacon
An epitome of exuberance and creativity, Artique Gallery has consistently radiated positivity, resulting in a zealous patronage of its unique products. Expressing her excitement over the move to Fayette Mall in 2019, Jamie Hurt reiterated her commitment to foster the local art scene, stating, “We’re thrilled to transition to a modern space that presents the artwork of our represented artists beautifully. As we look towards the future, we plan to undertake more collaborative projects and creatively engage with our community, striving to acquaint new audiences with the essence of Artique.”
With an impending closure looming large, the Artique Gallery has initiated a going-out-of-business sale that promises substantial discounts on most items, excluding those sold on consignment for artists. The process is designed to resolve rapidly in order to spare the staff the agony associated with the store’s imminent shuttering.
