The city of Gainesville is no stranger to the arts, hosting a variety of theaters, music venues and art galleries. About 15 minutes from the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus lies the Purple House Gallery. Not only is this a public art gallery but a custom picture framing shop, art and photo restoration center and a printing shop.
This gallery is home to art from around 60 artists, sourcing locally in Georgia and the Southeast.
The gallery finds ways to give back to the community through their expert craftsmanship. On Feb. 22, the gallery was a sponsor for Art with Heart, an event for the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia.
Hope Braselton, a 2024 UNG graduate in art marketing, found her place at the Purple House. Braselton is the gallery’s social media manager and resident artist.
Braselton started her internship at the Purple House Gallery as a part of her degree. Over time, her connection to the gallery grew and she was offered a part-time job.
After about a year of working at the Purple House Gallery, Braselton began showing her art in the gallery. Braselton has had continued success selling her art within the gallery as well as doing commission-based work through her Instagram account.
As the social media manager, Braselton creates and executes media goals for the shop. The gallery’s Instagram recently reached 20,000 followers and she hopes to continue to expand online to reach more audiences .“The goal is always to sell more art,” she said.
Braselton’s passion for art began at an early age, starting art lessons as early as the third grade.
“I never thought I would pursue art professionally but it became a big part of my life.” – Hope Braselton, UNG art marketing graduate
Braselton praised UNG professor Dr. Anna Pozzi for her interactive style and how Pozzi encouraged Braselton throughout her internship.
“It means a lot to students when a professor sees something in them,” Braselton said about Pozzi’s support.
Braselton mentioned other ways UNG supported her, such as being featured for her internship on the UNG Careers page and a shoutout through UNG’s social media.
Braselton’s personal goals include taking more opportunities. When it came time for her to find an internship in college, she reached out to a friend who was working at the Purple House Gallery at the time. Braselton credited this encounter as what brought her to her current position.
“Don’t be scared to reach out; the worst they can say is no,” she said.
The Purple House Gallery will participate in the “block pARTy” on May 8 with the Arts Council of Gainesville. Another spring event the gallery will contribute to is the Gainesville Art Walk. Four workers from the gallery, including Braselton, will be displaying art.
