By Larisa May
A new gift shop has just opened its doors on Grand Avenue in Phoenix, with the intention of encouraging residents to support small artists and businesses. Located at 1501 Grand Ave #104, FourSight Shop, co-founded by Angel Virtuoso and Malcolm Alcala is a novelty gift shop that sells a variety of items from juices to tote bags to stickers, many of such items featuring prints of artwork from small creators looking to grow their brand. The store hosted its grand opening ceremony Aug. 4, complete with a live DJ, access to new shirt designs, and juice samples for patrons. The opening also featured artwork by Virginia-based artist Dathan Kane, also known simply as D. Kane, with a collaboration from the Contemparary Art Network, or CAN Foundation.
For Alcala, this store has been a work in progress for several years.
“My original idea for FourSight was really just a gallery space. I used to have a gallery space where I curated pieces from my own personal collection…I started that collection back in 2017, but I created the logo and the vision for FourSight back when I was designing about 10 years ago.”
Alcala said that he had no idea what he was going to use the logo for, but eventually ended up using it for the gallery.
“I thought it was fitting because you’re trying to get people to see artists that are going to be great…so that’s kind of where the vision for FourSight started.”
To Virtuoso, the space itself holds a lot of meaning. The store is located in the Oasis multi-use complex, a space that allows residents to convert their apartments into businesses, which is exactly what Virtuoso did.
“We’ve completely turned the space into a business, so I’m super excited to be here on Grand Ave being that it’s a historical arts district. I think that having a spot on Grand Ave is very Phoenix.”
Patrons at the grand opening event seemed to agree with Virtuoso’s thoughts on the location of the shop.
“I think that this is a really cool space, I think it’s very on-brand that he’s right here in the artist’s district off of Grand Avenue,” said Channel Powe, who was visiting the store. “I feel a very classic, regal vibe here in the gallery.”
Alcala and Virtuoso hope to bring in more products and create more opportunities for artists to grow with the space.
While the products help creators to grow, the space itself also serves as a network for artists to talk and discuss their passions among like-minded people. Photographer Journee Moffett, who took photos of the event, said that the space provides an opportunity for connection within the artistic community. Moffett cited an opportunity to talk with the executive director of the CAN Foundation. as one such occasion.
“The amount I’ve learned from talking with him wouldn’t have been possible with(out) the creative environment that FourSight provides.”
D. Kane’s exhibit for FourSight will be open through Oct. 7. Questions about the shop can be directed to the FourSight’s Instagram page.
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