Since 2015, Dovetail has been showcasing Charlottesville artists in its interior design showroom, first on Water Street and now in its current location on Broadway Street in Woolen Mills.
“I always liked seeing local art displayed in businesses around town,” says owner and designer Amy Hart. “When we moved into this space, it felt natural to keep that going.”
New work goes up quarterly, pulled from a mix of clients, friends, and artists who respond to social media calls. The only requirement? The work has to be family-friendly. Dovetail hosts opening receptions for each show and encourages sales, taking a small commission to help cover event costs.
Unlike a traditional gallery, Dovetail’s showroom offers a home-like backdrop, so visitors can see how a piece might look on a mantle hood or behind the cooktop, as well as practical help envisioning where a piece might fit in their own home. The design team helps clients find pieces that bring in color and personality.
“The kitchen is a gathering place. It should feel comfortable,” Hart says. “Art does a lot to make a space feel lived in and welcoming.”
Just hang it far from the splash zone (or frame it behind glass).