As you peruse your way through G Squared Gallery in Ligonier, you will notice little red square “Hint” cards scattered throughout. These are for you to make ‘wish lists’ of things you like in the store - little cards to slip discreetly to your significant other when an anniversary is approaching, for example. They are hard to resist. Your instinct will be to pick one up and write “One Of Everything!”
G Squared Gallery has been a much loved shop in Ligonier since its birth in 1995 when Harvey “H” and Pat Childs made our small town their home. “H” was originally a Ligonier native, who had met his wife Pat, a veteran player in the gallery game, in Colorado. When interviewed for the Trib for their 20th Anniversary in 2015, they explained that they had friends who owned a successful contemporary art space there. It was a mentorship of sorts, as the Childs watched their friends’ business grow and sustain itself. After 25 years as Coloradans, they made a plan to return to our quaint little town and open a gallery of their own. Even though they were not sure how a contemporary art and craft gallery would do here, they had hope. Originally opening further east on Main Street, the ‘G’ in their name stood for ‘Garden and Gallery’ - in its beginnings, the store had a focus on garden supplies along with fine art. Pat and "H" combined their eye for art and knack for marketing to find success. Ligonier, a small town steeped in its traditions, welcomed them with open arms! Throughout their 23 tenure, they’ve adapted to their customers' needs, and now sell more handmade crafts than garden-related items. Even though G Squared has occupied two different locations throughout town, their mission to represent studio-based artists has always remained the same.
The simplistic decor of the gallery is clean, crisp, and inviting. It is clear that making the artists’ creations the focal point and “celebrating the imagination and creativity of the American Artist” is a priority of the Childs. Every square inch of the shop has something new to discover, and one could spend hours not only looking at each piece but learning about the American and Canadian artists that created them, which just makes a purchase more special and meaningful. Most of the artists’ bios are posted all around the gallery, but anyone working is excited to share their knowledge as well. And even though it is almost painful for them to choose, if you ask, they will share their favorites too.
One current favorite (and perfect for the back-to-school season) are the S’well bottles and Corkcicle tumblers that can be personalized. G Squared offers tons of patterns and solids in each product and various monogram styles from traditional to funky and fun. You can also personalize delicious-smelling, clean-burning candles. The small glass jars make for perfect bud vases, or shot glasses for the daring!, afterward.
Another favorite, enjoyed by some of the children in Ligonier, is the “conceptual cartoons” by Seth Pitt. The style of this self-taught artist from West Virginia resembles that of Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. Whether you are big or small, you will fall in love with his little creatures and whimsical stories. They, along with all of the other gorgeous surrounding works, may even inspire you to begin sketching yourself. G Squared has that covered too with soft handmade journals that are adorned with the words of famous poets.
Many of the artists and products, such as Blue Q, donates a percentage of their proceeds to a charitable organization. Giving back is important to these artists, as well as “H” and Pat Childs. At G Squared they encourage customers to donate their change or cents to a featured, local charity by rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar. Through their initiative, ¢hange for ¢hange, they were able to raise and donate $650.45 for the Blackburn Center, which provides crucial services to those whose lives have been impacted by violence or crime. Their current collection will help to provide aid to distressed animals in Westmoreland County and surrounding areas through Wildlife Works, Inc. G Squared selected this organization based upon the input from their social media community. They treasure the input and friendships that they have built with their customers and community.
Inside G Squared’s eclectic selection there’s something for everyone - from your beer aficionado, to your budding poet, to your fashionista, to your fitness guru, as well as your friend with an eye for art. There are so many “good goods for home and table” that it is hard to choose just one.
Stop in to G Squared during Ligonier's fall Art Walk on September 15th, to see The Art Of Seth whose work, inspired by author-illustrators such as Seuss and Silverstein, mixes imagination with reality, creating colorful visual art!