Hudson Antiques Opens in North Adams
Grand Opening Creates Festive Mood
By: Charles Giuliano - Mar 25, 2007
In a large storefront on Main Street in downtown North Adams the artists Jeff and Jane Hudson, residents of the nearby Eclipse Mill, have opened an ambitious enterprise that combines antiques as well as a rotating gallery for exhibitions featuring local talent, their own work, and pieces from their collection such as a vintage graphic by the seminal German conceptualist, Joesph Beuys.
Prior to opening this business it was launched as an antique store in the Mill but has now upgraded to this downtown venue with greater visibilty and traffic. This is not their first effort at an art gallery. Decades ago they ran Atlantic Gallery, on Atlantic Avenue in Boston, in a part of their loft space. It was one of the most progressive venues of the period and clearly ahead of its time. One of the artists from that era, Fritz Beuner, was on hand and showing a drawing with his former dealers. He was also a former colleague of the Hudson's who have now retired from their positions on the faculty of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts.
The prime space on Main Street became available when the long established Papyrus Books relocated to Eagle Street. The former occupants were on hand to offer a warm welcome to the Hudsons.
In the relatively brief time that they have been open the Hudson report encouraging sales and are sanguine about the coming season and establishing a presence in the art and antiques community. Part of the challenge will entail providing fresh stock which means attending a regular schedule of area auctions and estate sales. They have a good eye and there were many choice items being snapped up during the festive opening. Prices ranged from a lively dollar table through items in the thousands. It was encouraging that several gallery pieces were sold. I could not resist making an offer on a set of six albums of vintage hollywood scrap books. An anonymous person was a great fan of Elizabeth Taylor among others. Later several artists commented that they also had their eye on the Hollyood material.
Clearly you have to move quickly and return often as the Hudsons promise to scour about for the best material. The balance of great stuff and affordable prices is to die for. What a wonderful addition to downtown. Like who needs Walmart? Way to go Jeff and Jane. Best of luck.