By Doug Sitler
Go on an artsy adventure to this secret gift shop.
There is a very cool and artsy gift shop in the Southern Tier that sort of flies under the radar. The store isn’t located in the fun shopping destinations of Ellicottville or Chautauqua Lake, where you might expect to find a unique store. The shop we are talking about is at Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto and has been fully operational since 2019.
Many people know the Griffis Sculpture Park for its 250 sculptures placed throughout the fields and forests of the sculpture park. It is truly one of the most unique artistic experiences in the county. As a nice complement to the park, the gift shop features several wares created by local artists, as well as the park’s own selection of merchandise. The shop is cozy, but offers numerous wonderful items.
This year’s edition of the gift shop features seven different artisans, all bringing their own products and style. There’s an impressive array of items for sale. Pottery, ceramics, soaps, wooden spoons, photography, beach glass and earrings. The artists featured are: Cindi Carlson, Jason Ferguson, Pam Gifford, Scott Haenlin, Brian Harriman, Audrey Ralston, and Becca Singer, Visitors can also purchase sculpture park t-shirts, hoodies, mini-sculptures, pins and more.
The gift shop is open from 11am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays from spring to autumn. Closed on rainy days. The gift shop, located at the parking lot of the Mill Valley Road section of the park, is also the location where weekend visitors pay their admission fee into the park.
Gift shop coordinator Cindi Carlson works with the local creative community in selling their creations. A percentage of each artist’s sale is donated back to the non-profit sculpture park. Buyers can take satisfaction in knowing that their purchases support both the artist and the sculpture park. It’s a win-win for everyone..
Whether you want to go for a hike, or enjoy some shopping…or both, check out the Griffis Sculpture Park’s gift shop.