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.
Riechert is the featured artist this month at a co-op in the heart of Savannah’s bustling City Market. 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 28 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.
Today, 16 local artists owns the gallery.
The gallery is run by the artists whose work adorns the walls. “All of the artwork is local and regional,” says Riechert. “Paintings range from those done in the style of the Old Masters to abstracts and quintessential Savannah landscapes and architecture. We have beautiful photographs printed on metal, hand-colored etchings and mixed-media collages. Our locally-made jewelry features Larimar gemstones, mid-century modern design elements and glass enamel fused to copper.”
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.
To ensure the safety of our artists, guests and the wider community, Signature Gallery requires face masks inside.
They provide sanitizer to visitors and frequently wipes down commonly touched surfaces. We are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. You can also shop our collection online or make an appointment to come see us. We look forward to meeting you!
Signature Gallery
303 W. St. Julian St.
Savannah, GA
(912) 233-3082
www.signaturegallerysavannah.com
