Kathy Davis Gallery, Store to Open This Week

The former home of a dry cleaning business is blossoming with the seeds of new life. In a matter of days, those plantings will bear fruit in the way of thoughtful expressions infused in framed prints, vivid-hued dishes and coffee mugs, scrapbooking items and, perhaps the trademark of the store, countless greeting cards.

Horsham-based Kathy Davis Studios is opening a gallery and retail store chock full of revolving art displays, as well as goods designed by . The store, which sits adjacent to Davis' studio within The Elements Horsham at 303 Horsham Road, will host a grand opening gala Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Melissa Schulz, Davis's executive director of marketing, is co-managing what will become Davis' third retail store. As well as selling complementary items like artsy handbags and pillows, locally-made candles, linens and various paper goods, Schulz said it will feature "as much of Kathy's product as she feels comfortable having."

Since moving into the former dry cleaning business on Feb. 1, Schulz said contractors busily worked to gut the space, take out the ceilings to make them more "exposed," add offices, a storage closet and a kitchen. 

"It's been a very quick turnaround," Schulz said, adding that Davis has "always had her eye on" the site. The rush, in part, stemmed from the desire to be open well in advance of Mother's Day, Schulz said. 

Store visitors could get the chance to meet Davis, whose office is nestled within the rear of the dual gallery/store space, in perfect view of Plenti Grand Cafe, one of her favorite lunch spots. 

And while many of the Kathy Davis novelties are available at American Greetings stores, Wegmans and other retailers, Schulz points out that, "No one has this many Kathy Davis" items.

"It's a true gift store," Schulz said. "We'll be evolving the merchandise as time goes by. We'll always have standard greeting cards. That's Kathy's mainstay."

If you go

A grand opening wine and cheese reception for the Kathy Davis Gallery is slated for Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Elements Horsham, 303 Horsham Road. Guests will have the chance to meet Kathy Davis and enter free drawings. Opening festivities continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with light refreshments, grand opening specials, drawings and a book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Kathy Davis.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.