As a family of five crams into a store the size of a single-car garage, the owner turns sideways, squeezes by, grabs the requested pair of TOMS shoes and sighs in relief. Soon he will have the space he needs.
Gifthorse is in its last week at 101 N. Main St. and is moving to a location at 201 SE Second Ave. in mid-August.
Cesar Antonio Evans, 29-year-old artist and owner of Gifthorse has contributed to Gainesville’s art and fashion scene since 2008.
When Evans was accepted to UF’s art program he declined, he wanted to be involved in something more public and socially interactive rather than be trapped in a studio.
As the economy began to crash, Evans bounced from job to job and noticed the good response he received from his art shows.
“I was a mediocre barista, and I felt boxed in,” he said. “I knew it was a huge leap, but I wanted to do something I loved and was good at and that had the chance to grow.”
That’s when Evans opene Berto’s in downtown Gainesville’s Sun Center. Berto’s sold his paintings and T-shirts he designed. It quickly expanded and Evans collaborated with other artists, which led to the formation of a new venture, The Exchange, which was located at 815 W. University Ave.
After a year and a half it was time for change. The move from University Avenue to Main Street happened because Evans followed a dream, literally.
He dreamt that the storefront of The Exchange was obstructed. In this nightmare he could get past heavy construction to the door. He said this triggered the idea of being stuck, and Evans immediately signed a lease and opened Gifthorse.
The two-story corner building initially held apparel on its first floor and a contemporary art gallery on its second floor.
Now that Evans’ collection has expanded with brands such as TOMS, Alternative Apparel and OBEY, he uses the top floor as a studio. He doesn’t have art for sale but plans on introducing paintings to the new location.
In addition to more space, the new location is near Maude’s Classic Cafe, Sarkara Sweets and other boutiques that attract Gifthorse’s ideal customer.
Stephanie Manone, 21-year-old fine arts senior and resident of Arlington Square, spends most of her time downtown and is excited about Gifthorse joining the cobblestoned street.
“Whenever I drive pass Gifthorse I get curious, but not enough to find a parking spot” she said. “Now that it’s going to be right here I’ll have no excuse.”
