Boutique boasts wall-to-wall talent

By MARYLIN JOHNSON
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/25/06

History, fashion and design intertwine at the Savannah College of Art and Design's unique gallery/boutique called ShopSCAD.

Housed in Savannah's historic red brick Poetter Hall — circa 1892 — the retail shop features merchandise designed by present and former students, staff and faculty of the college. Exclusive items range from paintings, pottery and jewelry to books, clothes and accessories. It's a treasure-trove of undiscovered talent and a testimony to the creativity of the artists and designers.

ShopSCAD, which opened in 2003, was the idea of college President Paula Wallace and alumnus Katie Runnels. Wallace also contributes to the mix with her children's books, including the Wild World Series, which focuses on birthdays, foods and holidays ($21.99 each). Prices in the shop range from $10 for a pair of button earrings, to $1,300 for a pair of gold bee cuff links, to $2,500 for a painting. Many items are in the $30-to-$75 range.

For Atlantan Carolyn Tanner, the shop was worth a visit during a recent Savannah trip. "It perfectly represents the works of the many talented students and faculty," she said. And Tanner didn't leave empty-handed. She bought a large tote made of deconstructed denim squares, "the perfect casual bag," Tanner said.

• Inside the store: A tantalizing artistic jumble of handmade wares awaits customers. Some of the more unusual pieces include artist Tiffani Taylor's paintings and pottery accented with flowers or nature scenes, textile artist Paige Hathaway Thorn's silk screen designs on lush pillows, bed linens and scarves; fiber artist Claire Sanchez's cotton handbags and totes that feature colorful witty designs.

Jeweler Amy Pilkington's designs in gold, metals and semiprecious stones have caught the eyes of fashion model Christy Turlington and actress Mandy Moore. And for those who prefer the nostalgic, Suzanne Rader's colorful acrylic paintings are accented with vintage French ribbons, embroidery or beads.

• The French connection: Over the last several years, SCAD has partnered with Hermès to design and exclusively sell two limited-edition scarves for the Paris-based luxury brand. SCAD students competed for the top honor, and Hermès ruled the entries could not be computer-generated. Also, the design had to be an opaque watercolor. Ultimately, Rachael Knight's "Salt Marsh," depicting plant and insect life of a marshland, was reproduced on silk by Hermès ($295). The luxury firm also chose Marilyn Grace Glastetter's "Savannah" — showing a typical Savannah square — for a cotton version ($165).

• Location, location: ShopSCAD is nestled on one of the city's many beautiful, tree-shaded squares, at the corner of Bull Street and Charlton on Madison Square. And if you work up an appetite shopping, walk directly across Bull street and dine at the Gryphon Tea Room, which is owned and operated by SCAD. Housed in a former turn-of-the-century pharmacy, it serves various teas as well as sweets, salads and sandwiches. (1-912-525-5880).