Lovers turned business partners Jasyn Lucas and Nikki Brightnose have opened the doors to a new destination in Thompson. The Gift of Art is a locally owned and operated art gallery as well as a tattoo parlour.
Lucas says although another tattoo shop isn’t exactly a necessity, it’s something he wanted to try out on his own, as he was previously working under Insparation Day Spa. The needed thing was the art space. “We thought now would be the time to do it. We don’t really have that, and we’ve always wanted to share our collection, and the kind of stuff we wanted to show, so we said let’s do it.”
The couple, who’ve been together for six years, say it was just automatic to go into business together.
The art collection includes pieces the two have collected over time and travels, as well as original pieces by Lucas. These pieces can be viewed in the open environment, and they’re also for sale. “A lot of it is more fine art and is expensive, but we are also hoping to have that gift market so people can walk away with something if they choose,” noted Lucas.
The storefront named The Gift of Art came together because they wanted a welcoming title. Lucas says they see it as a gallery, but also as a gift shop. “You don’t have to take the serious gallery approach when you come here.”
Brightnose hopes to contribute to the store in her own creative way. “I’m really excited because I’m going to have the time to let my creativity go. I haven’t been doing anything in the last little while, so I’m excited to start back up.”
Lucas had to give up his previous studio to have this space, and says there’s a small area in the back where he will create, as well as inside the store, and outside when the weather cooperates.
The tattoo parlour area of the studio is up to all codes, and Lucas says he created a safe and comfortable place for people during their tattoo experience.
The shop is now open at 402-79 Selkirk Avenue, and Brightnose says she’s happy to be helping grow local businesses. “I’m just excited to have it here in Thompson because we love our community. There needs to be more because there is so much more talent that we’re not getting to see.”
