THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 30, 1995 TAG: 9503280118
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
THE SMELL of incense permeates the air. Trickling fountains trade rhythms with the sound of Celtic harps and lutes.
Before long, the heart rate slows and a tingling feeling creeps up the neck to the scalp.
A visit to Tranquil Moments and Gifts in Ghent commands the senses to relax.
Part gift shop, part art gallery, this mellow hole in the wall tucked between Maxway and Bienville Grille on West 21st Street sells serenity along with paintings and knickknacks.
``The focus here is to enjoy life and reduce stress,'' owner Constance Hawthorne said. ``We're one of a kind, and our gifts are one of a kind. It's a little weird.''
The ``weird'' shop, which opened in November, fits perfectly in Ghent, though most of the artists are from other Hampton Roads cities and elsewhere. There's clay and leather work by Jan Barco of Virginia Beach, jewelry from goldsmith Tim Savage of Hampton, pottery by David Fletcher of Newport News and watercolors by Elizabeth Wallace of Hampton. There are also paintings from Haiti, pillows from Bulgaria and amethysts from Brazil. The prices are varied, too, from $1.75 for a hand-painted greeting card to $3,700 for a bronze sculpture.
``Most of my customers are from Ghent, but I get my art from shows around the region and whatever strikes me,'' Hawthorne said.
In addition to art, there are books, incense, and CDs and tapes, with a music tower for test listening.
But the site's most innovative attraction is in the back room. It's called the Music Light Program experience, a kind of fledgling Virtual Reality booth. For $7.50 a half-hour or $15 an hour, patrons can sit back in an Italian leather chair, strap on earphones and a blinder, and escape. A CD hookup plays idyllic music while the blinders flash soft lights.
``It's designed to stimulate your alpha and theta brain waves,'' Hawthorne explained. ``I don't know of anyone else around here who carries this service. It's great for relieving stress, like before going to a major business meeting.''
Tranquil Moments has been well-received, according to the owner. Business has been good, she said, but money isn't the object.
``I don't need the money - this is my heart and soul,'' she insisted. ``I want people to come in and forget the mess outside for a while.''
A budding artist who works with ceramics and clay, Hawthorne, 46, is a Chesapeake resident. Originally from Wheeling, W.Va., Hawthorne was raised in Florida, where she met her husband, Arthur. The two traveled the country before coming to Hampton Roads in 1985. Today, they own a successful insulation business and an environmental services company at Colley Avenue and 26th Street.
Admitting that she once was kind of a hippie, Hawthorne says she has wanted her own art shop for a long time.
``I've always been into collectibles,'' she said, ``and since I was 19 I've always wanted my own little shop where I could sell special things in a kind of nurturing atmosphere.''
Hawthorne thought about opening the shop in Virginia Beach, but her husband convinced her that Ghent was the right spot. In the first month, she hired Carolyn Taylor, a friend, and artist of 20 years. Taylor works in mixed media, ranging from oil painting to clay, and has an eye for the unusual. Both Hawthorne's and Taylor's works are for sale in the store.
``We've very been selective about what we offer,'' Taylor said. ``We want to have things that you can't get anywhere else.''
Starting this month, the shop adds art classes to the mix. There will be high school and adult instruction in beginning drawing, stained glass, clay and watercolor. Courses are taught by artists whose works are on display in the shop. Classes will be held at the Hawthorne company site at Colley Avenue and 26th Street. The cost is $40 for four weeks.
``People asked us about doing art courses, and we decided it was a good idea,'' Hawthorne said.
According to the owner, it's not the broad range of arts, crafts and products that makes the store - it's the experience.
``I would like people to feel the stress-free appeal to the senses, the sights, sounds and smells,'' she said. ``I want people to come in and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity. That's what it's all about.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by JIM WALKER
Constance Hawthorne, right, is the owner of Tranquil Moments and
Gifts, where she works alongside her friend Carolyn Taylor, left, an
artist.
Hawthorne relaxes in the Music Light Program experience, a sort of
Virtual Reality booth.
by CNB