In an open, airy space flooded with afternoon light, Kathryn Riechert’s colorful designs shimmer playfully at the Signature Gallery.
Her work combines a variety of traditional metalsmithing techniques like kiln-fired copper enameling and sterling silver fabrication and incorporates stamped inspirational messages, hand-selected gemstones and more than a little whimsy. She loves chickens. And cats. Animals in general, really. And she’s curious. Her experiments lead to all sorts of off-beat, out-of-the-box designs. “I strive to create meaningful pieces that will be fun to wear, empowering and comforting,” she says.
An artist co-op is not something you might expect to find there, and yet not only does this one exist, it’s been there for many years. The idea for Signature Gallery — now a fixture of Savannah’s arts community — was dreamt up by Savannah artists Kathy Miller, Sharon Saseen and Mark McKim, and the co-op was founded in 1992.
Local artists own the gallery.
The gallery is run by the artists whose work adorns the walls. Visitors to Signature Gallery gush about the beauty of the space, the wide range of price points, and the quality of the pieces, and locals comment that they frequently recommend it to visiting family and friends. But what is perhaps most special about this place is that its artists really do man the ship. Er, shop. Guests are greeted by artists who can not only walk them through their own processes, techniques and inspirations but are eager to discuss all of the extraordinary work on display.
Signature Gallery
303 W. St. Julian St.
Savannah, GA
(912) 233-3082
www.signaturegallerysavannah.com