Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Jarrett.
Hi Steve, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The idea for our shop was really born in 2006 when my wife and I were looking for interesting metal art for our backyard. What we found in various shops and landscape centers was an assortment of flimsy metal work largely manufactured overseas. We had spent a number of years traveling in southern Missouri and Arkansas as well as the southwest. From walking through small galleries around the country as well as attending art fairs we knew that better options existed. Over the last 19 years we have made contact with numerous metal artists, chainsaw carvers and other folk artists. At this point, our shop features the work of over 40 artists. We feature indoor and outdoor metal art, chainsaw carvings and Native American art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We originally opened the shop in Pleasant Hill, MIssouri. We were able to locate a large building in their old downtown. However, we ultimately found that there wasn’t enough traffic coming through the area to support the business. In 2011 we moved the shop to Weston.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our shop features the work of over 40 artists. This includes local artists as well as artists from the southwest and upper midwest. All of our artwork is individually made by an artist in the United States. In the case of many of our artists, they primarily sell their work at art fairs and we are their only retail establishment. As a result, if you walk in our shop you will find numerous pieces that you will not see anywhere else in the area.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
We really enjoy finding new artists and new work. Over the years, we have become good friends with many of the artists whose work we feature. We also enjoy chatting with customers as they walk through the shop. There is a story behind most of the artwork that we feature.
Pricing:
- We always feature work in a variety of price ranges so that people can find something they like for as little as $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.backroadsartgallery.com
- Facebook: Back Roads Art
