Second Saturday, April 8th
The April Artwalk is busting out all over with fresh spring energy as the town celebrates two Hot Spot businesses: Art, Collectibles & Antiques (442 Main Street) and Gourmet Galley (111 Main Street).
- by Grace Birch 
Art, Collectibles & Antiques
442 Main Street Bay St Louis, MS 39520 (228) 342-259 
Phillip La Grange and Herbie Pursley are reinventing Blue Rose Estate Sales. Their location in Bay St. Louis is a gateway to Old Town. Many antiques lovers will remember this team from the famous Blue Rose Antiques, a Pass Christian shopping icon for decades.
Now Art Collectibles & Antiques, formally Blue Rose Estates, stands at the familiar corner of Main Street and St. Francis Street. Veterans of Bay St. Louis will remember this location as the old Loiacano's Gym. Visitors and locals now see 442 Main St. as a 4,200 square foot treasure trove of collectibles and antiques. The store is overflowing with unique artwork, home décor and high-end furniture, including unusual lamps and chandeliers. Antique tables and sideboards display collectible glassware and crystalware, china, silverware, ceramics, and jewelry. Antique pieces mix with vintage items (and a sprinkling of new items for good measure), and nothing is offered for sale in the showroom unless it is in good condition. Both La Grange and Pursley have an eye for rare gems, and Pursley even restores some of the gems himself. Most of the merchandise is purchased in Florida, though often it has found its way south from estates in New York. The result is a wide range of fine antiques not normally seen in Southern antique shops. In fact, the quality rivals what shoppers may find on Royal Street in New Orleans or even in the decorative art exhibits in museums. “We sell antique, vintage or new — as long as it’s high quality,” La Grange said. La Grange’s store is a welcome center of sorts, since the store is one of the first shops visitors come to on Main Street. He’s no stranger to the area, having opened his first antique business on Court Street in the 1980s. He also takes the care to do research for the customers. On special pieces, buyers will find a printout of comparable pieces for sale on the internet, and often find they are able to buy them in Bay St. Louis at a fraction of the cost. “I love sharing my knowledge and love and antiques with our community,” said La Grange. “We are happy to educate.” 
Rebecca Diaz had always wanted to open a retail store and 6 years ago, she got her chance.
“It was one of those random things, Diaz said. “I always wanted to open a store and my mother-in-law ran a stationary store called You Are Invited on Main Street. The space next door came open and I jumped on it.” Today the huge picture windows of the former real estate office are filled with Gourmet Galley’s kitchen items and gadgets. “I’ve always loved to entertain and cook,” Diaz said. “The shop is a perfect fit for me and Bay St. Louis.” Diaz enjoys lots of repeat local business and visitors that come back again and again. “I’m so thankful to all my customers, especially those who come in and holiday shop with me every year,” Diaz said. “It’s nice to have a good following.” Even the name Gourmet GALLEY (not Gallery) is a perfect fit for a kitchen shop just steps from the Bay St. Louis marina. “Being coastal I was thinking of the whole play on the galley being a boat kitchen,” Diaz said. Shoppers will find familiar names like Le Creuset, find new gadgets and fun designers of glassware and tea towels like Catsudio and unique utensils by Dreamfarm. Local artists like Dana Whittman and Candice Mannino do pottery for Gourmet Galley. There’s restored furniture from an artist in Gulfport. There are always new things to be found in this bright at airy Main Street shop and plenty of local staples like Mississippi made salad dressings and snacks. Diaz keeps on gourmet kitchen trends by going to markets in Atlanta and scouring catalogs to bring her customers new fun finds for their kitchen. Whether it’s a hostess gift or a little something to make your inner chef or entertainer happy, Gourmet Galley has something for every taste. Comments are closed.
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