Photography by Jim Burger

As gallery owners, artists and other craft industry leaders gathered for NICHE magazine’s 2009 Top Retailer Awards, it was clear that this year was a little different. “It’s not my intention to make bad economy jokes all night,” said guest emcee and glass artist Stuart Abelman. “But we could take a minute or two to all cry together.”

But the night was about hope, not helplessness; proof that even in trying times, businesses can continue to innovate and craft can continue to inspire. “All of you deserve to be recognized for your commitment and perseverance,” NICHE publisher Wendy Rosen told the crowd. “We will survive these days.”

Guest emcee and glass artist Stuart Abelman kept the crowd laughing throughout the evening.

The ceremony, held Aug. 2 in conjunction with the Buyers Market of American Craft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, honored 24 Top Retailers, 11 special category winners and one Retailer of the Year.

Taking the top honor of the evening was Maddi’s Gallery in Charlotte, N.C. The 2009 Retailer of the Year opened shop in 2002, and was named “Best New Store” for its second gallery location at the 2006 Top Retailer Awards. “It is a thrill to be a part of an industry where a mom and pop shop can get such an incredible honor,” said co-owner Madis Sulg, who accepted the award with his wife, Diane.

The night belonged to Madis and Diane Sulg, whose Maddi’s Gallery was named the 2009 Retailer of the Year.

Maddi’s, specializing in American craft, jewelry and Southern folk art, is a family affair, explained an emotional Diane at the ceremony. Their second location is managed by their daughter, Michaella, while son-in-law Jon Dalton handles operations at the cafe, where all art displayed on the walls and tables is also available for purchase. The Sulgs took a rare day off to attend the ceremony and visit the Buyers Market; the gallery is open seven days a week.

Several retailers took home multiple awards. Mary Lou Zeek Gallery in Salem, Ore., was given both a Top Retailer Award and the award for Best In-Store Event for their charity benefit, “Inside-Out, Educating Without Boundaries.” Owner Mary Lou Zeek “sees her contemporary art and craft gallery as a way to help create a world where the importance of art is recognized,” said presenter Donna Milstein, owner of Hanson Galleries in Houston, Texas.

Mary Lou Zeek, owner of Mary Lou Zeek Gallery, went home with two awards—one for Top Retailer, and one for Best In-Store Event.

Mary Lou Zeek, owner of Mary Lou Zeek Gallery, went home with two
awards—one for Top Retailer, and one for Best In-Store Event.

Milstein did not go home empty-handed; Hanson Galleries won the award for Best Customer Newsletter. “If you’re not doing a newsletter, you should be,” said Hanson as she accepted her award. “I’ve saved my gallery in the last two years by doing this.”

Hanson Galleries owner Donna Milstein was a presenter for the evening, and also took home an award for Best Customer Newsletter.

The Muse in Frederick, Md., was named a Top Retailer and won a second award for Best Local Community Outreach, and Spectrum Art & Jewelry in Wilmington, N.C., was awarded as a Top Retailer and for Best Website.

“The community embraces us, so I think it’s really important to give back,” said Whitney Bingham, owner of The Muse, upon accepting her award for Best Local Community Outreach. The Muse was also named a Top Retailer. Bingham is pictured here with NICHE publisher Wendy Rosen.

“You don’t have to spend a lot of money,” said owner Star Sosa as she accepted the Best Website award. She cancelled an expensive web service and switched to an inexpensive GoDaddy.com templated website before winning the award.

Star Sosa, owner of Spectrum Art & Jewelry, won a Top Retailer Award and the award for Best Website. She is pictured with NICHE publisher Wendy Rosen.

A panel of judges, consisting of industry leaders who won Top Retailer Awards in 2008, chose the evening’s winners from close to 600 nominees. Thousands of artists nominated their favorite galleries, nonprofits, museums and guilds; each nominee was invited to submit an application including photos, marketing materials and a focus statement. Winners were selected based on their adherence to the Retailers’ Guide to Best Practices, which includes commitment to fair business practices, supporting the North American craft community, and actively educating consumers.

After a night of laughter, celebration and a few tearful acceptance speeches, Abelman closed the ceremony by reminding attendees of the important role that gallery owners play, especially during economic hardship. “You are the guardians,” he said. “Through good times and rough times, you help the arts survive. It’s a partnership; we are the artists, and you are the guardians.”

Click here for a list of all of the NICHE 2009 Top Retailer Award Winners.