Once its pieces come together at the end of June, a new puzzle shop will open at 640 Main Ave.
The Joyful Nook Gallery, owned by Joy Hess and Christine Mullholand, will create puzzles in the back of their shop based off pieces submitted to them by local artists.
The pieces of the puzzle will feature shapes related to the image that the puzzle depicts. For example, a puzzle depicting a picture of flowers may consist of pieces in the shape of flowers, leaves and butterflies.
“I think it’s going to bring something really special and really unique to the community,” Hess said.
The shop currently features work from 15 local artists. Each artist submitted multiple photographs, and the owners chose two or three of their pieces to create into puzzles.
The store will also allow customers to personalize puzzles as well, based on photographs or their own artwork that they bring in. They will also allow customers to decide what shapes the featured pieces will be.
Mullholand and Hess came up with the idea of creating puzzles featuring the work of local artists in November and decided early on that they wanted to have their own space to sell their puzzles. They bought the space in December and started renovating shortly after.
The store will also have a considerable stationary collection, including journals, calligraphy sets and a variety of handmade papers.
“Puzzles are our main event, but we decided that we needed to bring in something else that might be missing from the community,” Hess said. “We felt there was a need for beautiful stationeries and paper products.”
Hess is still unsure when the store will open. She’s hoping it will be open by the end of next week, but it could open later in the month. The date is unsure to make sure the store is adequately set up with unique props and decorations, she said.
“We want people to walk in and be in awe of it,” Hess said.
asemadeni@durangoherald.com
