| For more information about this article or gallery, please call the gallery phone number listed in the last line of the article, "For more info..." |
October Issue
2008
Farvan International in Charlotte,
NC, is Closing
Farvan International, an upscale arts and gift gallery in Charlotte, NC's fashionable uptown at N. Tryon and Seventh St., is closing its doors after more than two decades of continuous operation.
Gallery owner Farida Toomey Sweezy said the dramatic escalation in cost of retail space literally has forced her decision. "Over the years we lived through several evictions but understanding building owners were generous with lease rates," she said. "In this case, we've received notice that new lease rates will be many, many times the current rates; and, frankly, this type of business simply can't afford it," she added.
Farvan will hold an auction and sale of products and store fixtures in Nov. 2008, the date to be announced soon. Products include original paintings, jewelry, rugs, lamps, sculptures, occasional furniture and a host of other items gathered from throughout the world.
According to Sweezy, the gallery has been more a labor of love than a thriving retail business. "We were the first international gallery of its kind in Charlotte, and perhaps in the State, because of an underlying concept dedicated to spreading the understanding of world cultures." And too, Sweezy realized that Charlotte was developing into an international city, and hoped that it would welcome an international gallery.
Sweezy said the gallery has represented art and artifacts, as well as private collections from throughout the world. "The bulk of the proceeds went to assist refugees, small enterprises, craftsmen and artists, many of whom struggle in third world countries. In addition, we arranged for many of the artifacts to go to local school libraries and classrooms to help students understand geographic origins and the significance of other cultures," she said.
Sweezy said she would continue to operate as a consultant of Farvan International, providing services to selected clients and continuing to push for ways to promote understanding among diverse cultures. "I maintain that the key to a better world is through the students of the world; if we can teach them about each other and help them accept each other, there's a better chance to find common ground."
For further information about the closing
sale and auction call 704/375-1424 or visit (www.farvan.com).
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc. Copyright© 2008 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2008 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.