Unflagging whimsy
For more than 26 years, Poppy has been providing its customers with unique, contemporary fine art.
The specialty fine arts shop at 920 E. Broadway showcases the handmade creations of more than 200 artists from all over the country. From whimsical wall art and elaborately carved wood furniture to jewelry and pottery, the 3,500-square-foot gallery brings emerging and established artists to customers looking for new, innovative and creative art.
Since opening the shop back in 1981, owner Barbara McCormick said, Poppy has gone through some changes, including two business partnerships, three locations and, most recently, the creation of www.poppyarts.com, which was launched in November.
But through it all, McCormick, 62, said Poppy’s philosophy has remained the same.
“The concept that we started with we have stuck to but expanded upon,” she said. “I think that Poppy has acquired a personality, and I think that personality tends to be colorful, whimsical, fun, but it can also be serious and sophisticated. I think when people visit Poppy the feeling they get is that it’s a fun place.”
Kay Foley, a longtime customer and Columbia artist whose work is sold at Poppy, said the shop’s variety of affordable handmade jewelry and unusual art was what drew her in.
“There aren’t that many places to find things like that,” Foley said. She said McCormick has a keen eye for discovering works that reflect Poppy’s personality.
