Gallery Fifty’s focus is on the marketing of functional art and fine craft to the visitors and residents of northern Michigan. The media mix includes ceramics, glass, fiber, metal, wood, painting, photography, furniture and lighting. An emphasis has been put on art jewelry.

Gallery Fifty was founded in November 2004 by Christiaäne (Christie) Litt Minervini. The 850 sq. ft. gallery/ studio space is located in historic “Building 50,” a 19th century insane asylum formerly known as the Traverse City State Hospital. Photographer Heidi Johnson chronicled the history of the hospital in her book, "Angels in the Architecture, A Photographic Elegy to an American Asylum" (2001, Great Lakes Books).

Ms. Minervini's vision for the gallery is a space that honors the history of the building. Themes of antiquity and mystery, work created with aged materials or made to look old, “found art” and recycled or repurposed pieces are given special prominence.

A select group of 75 regional and North American artists are on represented through the gallery. In addition, a monthly exhibition of fine art is programmed in the show space between the gallery and its fine dining neighbor, Trattoria Stella.

What defines you?
We consider ourselves to be a creative business and we're motivated to seek out artistic innovation where ever it exists. Unique. Different. Special. Our aim is present "art with purpose," bridging the gap between fine art and craft. We look at the gallery as our canvas and put a lot of thought into finding work and artists that complement one another.

What is your a niche?
Over the past two years, art jewelry has emerged as our niche. We've recently added a few jewelry cases to accommodate the 25 jewelry artists that we represent. For fine art or craft, our niche is contemporary abstract. There are a lot of galleries in our market that show representational or figural art, so we aren't interested in competing in that area. Our customers seek us out for contemporary or
3-dimensional work.
 
What is unique to your art, group, or scene?
Our specialty is work created from found, recycled or repurposed materials. We actively look for craft created with non-traditional elements. For example, jewelry made from typewriter keys, bottle caps or automotive paint collected from the spray booth at the Ford River Rouge Plant (see "Fordite" on our web site). We offer boxes and vases made from recycled newspapers and magazines, hand bags created from recycled vinyl billboards, and assemblage wall art utilizing found
objects.

Who is your customer?
Our best customer is the semi-retired second homeowner. However, we offer work that appeals to all age groups and demographics. The 35+ married couple would be another key customer group. We have a very loyal group of husbands that shop from their wives' wish lists.
  
What do you promote?
Every month, we promote a different area artist with a special exhibition. The "Third Thursday" artist receptions have been a big hit. Our fine dining neighbor, Trattoria Stella, caters the events and we feature local wines. We also regularly promote jewelry in our
advertising.
 
What brought your artist community together?
For us, it was the grand architecture of the former state hospital where "The Village at Grand Traverse Commons" is located. The main structure, Building 50, is being redeveloped into retail, office and residential space. The first phase is complete, and the 125 year old building and beautiful grounds are an ideal place for artists to
gather.

What is the common tie that binds your art or artists?
Again, we look at the gallery as our canvas, and select artists whom complement one another. With display, we're making selections by color, size, texture, contrast and juxtoposition.
   
Does your gallery have a regional feel or excitement?
Our gallery does an excellent job of reflecting the history of Traverse City and it's old state hospital. Themes of antiquity and mystery, work created with aged materials (or made to look old), found art and recycled or repurposed pieces are given special prominence.
 
What trends do you see, artistically or regionally, in artwork or in purchases?
I've seen a huge trend in art jewelry. These "personal sculptures" are extremely portable, reflect the wearer's unique personality, and demonstrate some of the most innovative design that we've seen.
 
What trends do you see in art as an investment?
Glass. It is extremely collectible and the resale market is exploding. It is not our specialty, but we've observed this trend. I don't advise my clients to buy art for investment. It should speak to them on an emotional, not financial, level.
  
Do you find yours to be an art-educated audience?
Yes and no. I think customers are more sophisticated in terms of recognizing and appreciating quality, but we have a way to go in terms of educating them on the value of creativity and good design. (The "I could do that" syndrome).

What else would you want us to know?
The gallery is under 1,000 sq. feet with about 400 sq. ft. of additional exhibition space. It's small, but we work on short consignment terms and change the gallery over every 6-8 weeks. Our repeat customers always comment on how fresh it feels and the fact that we're always showing new work. Within the next year we plan to grow into a 1,200 sq. ft. space located just beyond our current location — the "Mercado" is an indoor retail "mall" currently under development at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday:		Noon- 9:00 pm
Sunday		By Appointment