There was a celebration in downtown Jamestown on Friday for two businesses.
The one business is returning to the city after a short hiatus. The other is a new beginning for its owners.
The new business is the Miraglia Gallery, 108 E. Second St., a creative space for local artists and photographers. Peter and Melissa Miraglia are the owners, and they have been lifetime artists. Miraglia said he has been an artist for 35 years and has had shows in Virginia and Cincinnati.
Article Photos
From left, Billy Kates, Chautauqua Music owner, Lee Harkness, Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation executive director, Greg Rabb, Jamestown City Council president, Melissa and Peter Miraglia, Miraglia Gallery owners, and Sam Teresi, Jamestown mayor, at the grand opening celebration for the businesses Friday.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
''People from all over the country have my paintings,'' he said. ''It has always been a passion of mine.''
Melissa is a graphic designer who also shares the same passion for art.
''I've done art ever since I was in the second grade,'' she said. ''I've always been an artist.''
The couple lived in Cincinnati, but moved back to Jamestown in January. Miraglia has owned the building in downtown Jamestown where his new business is located for 11 years. During that time, the main tenant in the building was Chautauqua Music. However, the business closed in July. That is when the Miraglias felt it was time to put their own mark on downtown Jamestown.
''We had the available space, my wife and I are artists, so we decided to open an art gallery,'' he said. ''There is a lot of our work on the walls now and we will be having more artists and their work soon.''
The couple will offer graphic design services, drawing, painting and craft classes, and workshops that nurture and promote creativity. The gallery is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. On the final Friday of each month and the next day on Saturday, the Miraglia Gallery will host events where people can meet local artists and possibly see them work. For more information, call 484-0179 or visit www.miragliagallery.com.
ENCORE PERFORMANCE
Chautauqua Music, 110 E. Second St., is back after closing at the end of July. Billy Kates, Chautauqua Music owner, has reopened the store his mother, Bonnie Davis, retired from and his father, John Davis, started in 1973.
The store offers the same services, like guitar and bass lessons, and instrument repairs. Kates said doing it on his own has been a really busy experience.
''At times, it gets hectic, but I'm enjoying it. I'm looking forward to busy weeks ahead,'' he said.
Kates said keeping the music store opened was something he had to do. He said when he was a child, he would visit the store and enjoy being around people who appreciate music. Kates is also a professional drummer.
''My 15-year-old daughter (Lily) inspired me to keep it opened,'' he said. ''It was a no-brainer. My dad taught me a lot of good stuff and I've learned from a lot of other musicians. I want to pass on what I know to the community.''
Kates said the response to the store reopening has been great.
''People are really happy the store is back open. People have been great,'' he said.
Chautauqua Music is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 484-0179.