<b>Owner: </b>
Elizabeth Stone
<b>Short bio: </b>
I am the founder and owner of Elizabeth Stone Gallery. It is a unique gallery which specializes in original art, signed limited editions, prints, and children's books by more than one hundred internationally known children's book illustrators.
I have more than thirty years of experience with children's literature. For fifteen years, I was the librarian at a premiere private school in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It was during that time that I acquired my love and appreciation for children's book illustration.
After fifteen years in Michigan, I relocated my gallery to 1127 King Street in Old Town Alexandria. I also expanded my business to include the placement of children's book illustrations in children's hospitals, pediatric facilities, major medical centers, and government and corporate collections.
<b>Why did you choose this particular business? </b>
I am a collector of original art by my favorite contemporary children's book illustrators. In the beginning, I wanted to own original art by N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, Beatrix Potter, E. H. Shepard, Jessie Wilcox Smith and other illustrators from the "Golden Age of Illustration" but I discovered the art was scarce and costly for me. My illustrator friends suggested I open a gallery to showcase their art. Collecting the art of children's book illustrators was a relatively new phenomenon. I felt I was on a new adventure.
<b>Why did you choose to work for yourself rather than as an employee for someone else? </b>
Although I certainly appreciate the security an employer provides, there are limitations for challenge, excitement, creativity and decision making. I found an avenue to pursue my dreams of educating children and adults not only with stories but with art.
<b>What have you learned from being in business? </b>
It is necessary to develop an expertise in my "special" business, become active in the community, network every moment and give special attention to my clients.
<b>Share an anecdote of a challenging or humorous experience or biggest surprise learned from working your business: </b>
I do have a humorous experience, but it is too long for this newspaper article.
It was early in my gallery career and it involved a paranoid, world-renowned illustrator from New York who did not trust overnight delivery service, priceless originals being hand-carried by a new gallery owner from Michigan, dressed in an itchy wool jumpsuit in 90 degree weather, a series of canceled and delayed airline flights, and a broken high heel.....a true "Candid Camera" moment!
<b>What have been the advantages and/or disadvantages of operating a business in Alexandria? </b>
I have found this wonderful town to be very welcoming to me as a person and enthusiastic and supportive of my business. Having served several years on the Historic district and Design Commission in Birmingham, Michigan, I am especially proud to be a business owner in the Historic District of Old Town. Tourists and young families who visit the gallery are not only pleasant to work with, but are vital to my success.
<b>Key staff: </b>
I have four part-time employees who perform a myriad of tasks.
<b>Description of services and/or products: </b>
The gallery has a collection of original art, signed limited editions, prints, posters, children's books and toys available for purchase. Custom-designed, distinctive gifts are favorites with clients. Art may also be seen and purchased on-line at www.elizabethstonegallery.com
The gallery is available for Fund Raisers and Meetings.
Tours are encouraged for schools, colleges, universities, organizations and other special groups.
<b>Gallery Hours: </b>
Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. ; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m., Second Thursdays, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.. Elizabeth Stone Gallery is located at King and Fayette Streets and five blocks east of King Street Metro Station. Accessible by DASH and Metro buses.
<b>Professional affiliations/associations: </b>
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce
KSMET -Representing Businesses from the River to the Rails
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Children's Book Guild of Washington, D.C.