Where Art Meets Heart
The Shop at Strathmore celebrates four decades of creativity and community
By Laura Farmer
Tucked inside the historic Mansion at Strathmore, the Shop at Strathmore has become a beloved destination for unique finds and warmth and wonder infusing every shelf. This year, as the Shop celebrates its 40th anniversary, longtime patrons, volunteers, and staff reflect on how a modest corner grew into a vibrant haven of handcrafted artistry and community.
Founded in 1984 in the Mansion’s pantry, the Shop began as a small consignment space initiated by Kitty Barclay, Strathmore’s first docent, to earn revenue for the institution. It started humbly, with a minimal inventory of accessories and small décor items managed entirely by volunteers.
Over the years, the Shop evolved and expanded from the tiny pantry to an unoccupied office space and then, in 1997, to a newly renovated, dedicated retail space. A few years later, continued success allowed expansion into the adjacent gallery.
Today’s Shop features more than 200 artists, offering everything from wearable art and entertaining essentials to music-themed kitchen tools and whimsical children’s toys. Among its exclusive offerings is Strathmore’s Signature Blend Tea, created specially by Master Tea Blender John Harney and served at the Mansion’s Afternoon Tea events.
The collection is curated by Charlene McClelland, whose decades-long journey with Strathmore—from high school intern to volunteer to director of the Mansion—reflects a deep love of creative expression and community. Even after retirement, Charlene continues as the Shop’s buyer and merchandiser, having shaped much of its evolution. She describes the Shop’s mission as “retail with a purpose,” with items carefully chosen to bring joy while fostering a rich community of artists and support for Strathmore’s arts and education programs.
“I get excited listening to people show each other what they’ve found,” McClelland says. “When I witness customers connecting over a shared appreciation for a unique item, that is really meaningful to me. We support artists in earning a living, helping them get something in return for their creativity and hard work.”
That spirit keeps customers like Janey Richards, a devoted Strathmore volunteer since 2009, coming back. “It is the best shop I’ve ever been in,” she says. “They just have wonderful things. You can buy something really special for someone and not break the bank at all. It just feels like there’s always a discovery there.”
Richards particularly enjoys the Shop’s collection of joyful pop-up flower cards, imaginative puppets, and accessories by regional artists. “It’s great to know who made it, where they were from, what’s the story behind it,” she says.
Jill Gendleman, who has worked at the Shop for 36 of its 40 years, started as a volunteer and quickly found herself woven into the Mansion’s fabric. “People comment how much this is like a museum. Every nook and cranny have something lovely and creative,” she says. For Gendleman, the Shop is a form of therapy—for customers and for herself. “I used to do personal counseling, now I do retail therapy! I’ve always been in the helping profession, and that’s what keeps me here: people really appreciate me helping them.” Many regulars know Gendleman by name and even call ahead to see when she’s working. “We’re always laughing in here. Customers hug me all the time.”
The Shop at Strathmore isn’t just a place to buy merchandise; it’s a place to feel seen, inspired, and cared for. Whether you’re simply browsing or hunting for the perfect present, you’re likely to walk out with something more: a connection to the people and programs that are hallmarks of Strathmore. For many customers like Richards, the Shop also serves as a gateway to Strathmore’s broader arts programming, a mission that extends beyond the Mansion’s walls through an online store.
As McClelland puts it, the Shop at Strathmore is filled with positive energy. “From the salespeople working with customers to get just the right gift, to talking to artists about their work, I think it makes a difference—and I think you can feel it.”