Ashley Hassinger
Staff Reporter
Walk into the Tony Gorilla Gallery Ltd., on 36 Main Street, and the aroma of sweet smelling candles and incense burning is welcoming. This gallery is not your typical artist haven; it is unique in that both the candles and incense are all homemade by owners Bobby and Debra McConnell.
Tony Gorilla Gallery Ltd. opened in Isleton in April and has been a great joy for the McConnell's, but they didn't start out selling their work.
"Making homemade candles and incense started out as a hobby for Debra and I," said McConnell.
From what started out as just a hobby, turned into something greater. After Bobby retired from the City of Oakland, the McConnell's decided to move to Isleton.
"I needed something to do, and we got a lot of positive feedback on our work, so we decided to go ahead and open a store," explained Bobby.
From homemade candles to incense, there are many things to choose from when you walk into the gallery - chimes, candleholders and tapestry to name a few. Everything is homemade with the exception of the chimes that are purchased from an Indian vendor in southern California.
Because everything is homemade, purchasing the products gives a sense of giving back to the community. Not only does the gallery have regular customers, it also provides a calm setting for Debra who makes the candles.
"Making the candles is a soothing process," explains Debra. "It really is a form of therapy and it’s fun to work with."
The gallery offers more than just homemade candles and incense; it opens up a place for local artists to promote their art. On the walls hang paintings from local artist Tammy Foord, and jewelry from Eureka resident Kendra Wiley.
"We wanted to bring artistry to the town," said McConnell.
Other businesses are happy with the new addition of the gallery to the town. Jean Yokotobi, owner of 25 Main St. Deli and President of the Isleton Chamber of Commerce, is supportive and excited for a unique store like the gallery to be in town.
"They're a great fit for Isleton, they are true artisans," said Yokotobi.
With a business that is not bringing in commercial products and supports local artists, it’s a great situation for the community.
"They are creative in focus and are a good foundation for creative people. They are promoting creative people and that can help the town expand," said Yokotobi.
Isleton is far from lacking in creativity and artistry, but Tony Gorilla Gallery is distinctive to the town in more ways than one.
"With our exclusive style of buildings and the resources we do have, the gallery is helping to promote creativity, and that can help with making Isleton a destination spot in the future," said Yokotobi.
The McConnell's are interested in spreading the love of art throughout the town of Isleton and this shop is just the first step in a growing art community.
"I would like all the businesses on Main Street to come together, to help bring more art into the town. It's a perfect little town for it," said McConnell.
Hours of operation:
Normal Business Hours:
Tues-Sun 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Winter- Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. |
