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March Issue 2007
The French Hare Gallery and Galleria in Charleston, SC, Offers Works by Gerardo Leccese
Susan Lucas of Mt. Pleasant, SC, has purchased The French Hare Gallery and Galleria, at 418 King Street, one block north of Francis Marion Square in downtown Charleston, SC. The gallery celebrates La Dolce Vita with photography by Italian photographer Gerardo Leccese, on view from Mar. 9 - 31, 2007.
Leccese graduated from Istituto Statale D'Arte and earned a BFA degree from the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore. He has participated in Art Expo in New York and shown in galleries in Pennsylvania, Florida and New York. Leccese has also received acclaim for his mixed media paintings and mosaics. His work, features scenes and subjects from Italy and France.
The French Hare, offering home furnishings, accessories, artwork and gifts, was established in Vail, CO, and relocated to Charleston in 2004, then purchased by Lucas in late October of 2006. "I was attracted to the space when it was Cameron's Antiques. It's stunning and beautifully restored with exposed brick walls, oversized windows and a landscaped courtyard." Lucas said. "Then when it changed over, The French Hare became my favorite shop in Charleston."
While keeping to the store's theme of French design and products, much has changed. The former tag line "comforts for the home" is now joies de vivre! which more appropriately describes the added fine art, high end home decor, scented candles, French Café music, wine, gourmet chocolate and even cigars. In Lucas's words, "The French are renowned designers and style setters. They also have that delightful love of relaxation and sensual pleasures. That's what the new French Hare is all about." A cold Perrier or a cup of tea and cozy chairs throughout the store invite every visitor to unwind, linger and enjoy stimulating the senses.
It's also about excellent, concierge-style customer service. The staff, nicknamed "Charleston's gift valets", will help select a gift in person, by phone or e-mail, wrap it and have it ready curbside for customers who don't have time to shop, or even park. The French Hare also makes after-hours deliveries to hotels and homes, and ships nationwide.
There's a web store in the works for March release, found at (www.frenchhare.com), as well as a traditional catalog. "People come from everywhere to visit and appreciate Charleston and they love our store. The French Hare wants to follow them home." Gift baskets for personal and corporate giving include The Hotel Room Upgrade with four-star hotel luxuries, and The French Hare Sampler, which is available in several sizes and includes many of the shop's joies de vivre.
Susan Lucas is a nationally known portrait photographer, represented by Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan's Island, SC, and Edward Dare Gallery in Charleston. At The French Hare Gallery she will exhibit works from her private collection. In addition, 2007 will begin a series of featured artists, bringing a new gallery presence to Upper King Street.
Service and community involvement are a priority for Lucas. The French Hare has already participated in Shopping with Friends, Greyhound Adoption, and events for The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center, The Heart Association and MUSC. Support partnerships are forming with others such as The Charleston Symphony, the Susan B. Komen Foundation, and others.
It's a lot to incorporate into a store and gallery, but then, Lucas says, "We incorporate a lot into our lives." The French Hare reflects life well lived in a beautiful community, with style.
For further information check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call the gallery at 843/577-0451 or visit (www.frenchhare.com).
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