Hyde returns to original gallery

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It's not about the building; it's about the art.|ret||ret||tab|

With that sentiment, Walnut Street Gallery owner Jan Hyde returned to her original gallery space at 221 E. Walnut, next to the appropriately named Gal-lery Bistro.|ret||ret||tab|

She moved from space in the Carlson Building at South and Walnut about six weeks ago. "It was really wonderful being over there, but Tom (Carlson) was needing some additional space for their employees."|ret||ret||tab|

His company, Carlson-Gard-ner Inc., has added three employees and is moving people up from the basement level. |ret||ret||tab|

The Carlson Building space "was a very public space, and the windows were wonderful, but my business doesn't rely on traffic and attracting people in off the street. Usually people come directly to look at the art or otherwise to purchase," Hyde said.|ret||ret||tab|

The first space where she started 12 years ago "was originally set up for a gallery, and (the Carlson Building) was a bank and was always a bank. People would walk in and say It's a great a building, I love the building.'|ret||ret||tab|

"Since I've been back here, everyone that comes up says it's more intimate. The work shows up better."|ret||ret||tab|

In truth, the walk-in traffic wasn't all that spectacular at the Carlson Building because, Hyde said, "we don't have that much foot traffic downtown." She said walking tourists don't come downtown much yet, but she expects that may change with the Jordan Valley Park development.|ret||ret||tab|

Hyde runs the gallery she owns with her husband, attorney Kent Hyde, by herself. When she decided it was time to downsize a bit, the move was the perfect opportunity to do so. |ret||ret||tab|

"Since I moved back up here, it's just been heaven on earth. I actually have more wall space."|ret||ret||tab|

Up until December or January, Hyde will continue showing some pieces at the Carlson building and then use the space for banquets until Carlson finishes his renovation.|ret||ret||tab|

Hyde said she didn't foresee her feelings after the move. "It tore my heart out to have to do it. I really hadn't anticipated (that). I loved being a cornerstone downtown. People would come in and say they so appreciated the windows. It was a sad thing."|ret||ret||tab|

But still, she's glad to remain in center city. |ret||ret||tab|

The downtown's unfolding "has ex-ceeded any expectations I had. It has evolved in a very unique way is really exciting. The last five years Oh my God!"|ret||ret||tab|

Downtown has always been a great location for the gallery. Hyde said that she "had a tremendous amount of business from the day I opened." |ret||ret||tab|

Without as much visibility at 221 E. Walnut, Hyde counts on showing work downstairs at Peter Tinson's bistro. |ret||ret||tab|

"There's some work in the windows," Hyde said. With the return of her gallery, Tinson's "a happy camper these days," Hyde said, and he continues to hold special dinners upstairs in the gallery. "It's so beautiful and people really appreciate it." |ret||ret||tab|

Hyde hosts the "Dinner with the Artist" series in which diners get a chance to meet one of the artists whose work she displays.|ret||ret||tab|

The self-described art educator, not a salesperson, is a native of Scarsdale, N.Y. Hyde and her husband have been married 17 years, and they have two children, Jack, 15 and Hillary, 13. Hyde taught art in the Ozark school system for about 14 years before coming up with the idea to have her own art gallery.|ret||ret||tab|

"Seventy-five percent of what I do is exposing ... artists to the community, and this is a great venue to do it in. I sell a lot of work and have had great support from the community throughout the years."|ret||ret||tab|

When she decides what to sell, Hyde makes sure the pieces work well with what she already has on display. Her purchasers will have "a collection of pieces that work together ... these pieces flow. When I look for additional pieces it's got to be that kind of connection." |ret||ret||tab|

Since downsizing, Hyde's concentrating on her artists that do well, like Jacqueline Warren, artist in residence and professor of art at Drury University. |ret||ret||tab|

She uses artists that will work on commission and "that are professional and have a great inventory."|ret||ret||tab|

Hyde said she knows her audience. "I am a for-sale gallery. I have an audience that will appreciate (the work) and maybe take it home with them."|ret||ret||tab|

For additional income, "We do a lot of corporate sales and put together collections for business and a lot of residential, too."|ret||ret||tab|

Hyde likes to display pieces outdoors and uses her home's front yard to showcase her favorites. Her yard is now displaying a sculpture titled "Splash." The work is by artist Mack Hornecker, who teaches at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa.|ret||ret||tab|

"My kids don't like it," Hyde said. "They would rather I had a horse instead." [[In-content Ad]]