In her 26 years at Phoenix Art Museum, with the last 12 as retail director of The Museum Store, Jennifer Barnella has seen a sea change in museum commerce.
“There was a time when museum stores – or gift stores, they were called back then – were just kind of like a dusty repository at the back of the museum,” she says. “They’ve blossomed into this awesome extension of the mission of the museums they support.”
Barnella curates PAM’s extension, which includes a panoply of products – some inspired by visiting exhibits, some representing the permanent collection and some there simply because they’re cool.
Guests can bring home Frida Kahlo paper dolls inspired by an exhibit, vintage flower pins from a recent Anna Sui show, a hamburger coaster set that nods to the museum’s collection of contemporary art, or books about art. Under Barnella’s direction, The Museum Store has expanded its selection of local goods.
“Part of our mission is obviously supporting the community,” she says. “What better way to involve the community in the store than to involve local artisans?” Creatives can apply to be featured, or Barnella may reach out after scouting fairs and festivals. “It’s a lot of research and a lot of digging,” she says. “It’s mutually beneficial for us because the revenue goes straight to the museum, and the artists get the exposure and a little money in their pockets as well.”
Members get 10 percent off most items in the shop, but you don’t have to be a member –or even pay admission – to peruse there. Barnella says there’s a treasure for everyone.
“I want to make sure we have something for the schoolkids who come in, and I also want to make sure we have something for somebody looking for a lovely wedding gift,” she says. “Museum stores are that kind of awesome, unique place to shop, to find things that you’re not going to find anyplace else.”
The Museum Store at Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-307-2025
phxart.org/visit/shopping/
Fashion Spotlight: Spark & Saga
After Elizabeth Montgomery left her job as a journalist at The Arizona Republic in 2021, she did some soul-searching. “I had no choice but to explore joy, because I was unemployed and at the bottom of everything,” she says. In journaling about what brought her joy, she struck upon earrings. “I’ve always loved earrings and jewelry… I wanted to do something creative, something that I made myself.” Montgomery learned how to make earrings out of lightweight polymer clay. “I bought a whole bunch of stuff, made a whole bunch of errors,” she says. “And now I found my groove.” Her Spark & Saga line draws inspiration from her many fandoms – Zelda, Sailor Moon, Pac-Man and Wicked have all inspired earrings – and from her love for bold, colorful statement pieces. “I’m trying to do some more for the regular people who just want a pair of red earrings,” she laughs. With each design, Montgomery focuses on sparking and spreading joy. “That’s kind of my M.O. in life… to make a positive impact in people’s lives, through storytelling or jewelry.” sparkandsaga.com
