Magpie Gallery gets a bigger nest
The Magpie Gallery is moving—about 100 feet on First Friday, Dec. 7, the art studio will reopen next door to its previous location, in the former Wild Strawberry restaurant on Second Avenue.
Gallery owners Laura and Manuel Rogers purchased the space from the Keirstead family in November, after renting the small green building since 2016.
Rogers said she and her husband had their eye on the new building, most recently a medical practice, for a while. “It’s got a lot of character,” she said. “Big ceilings, wood floors, it’s got a good feel about it.”
A bigger space means more gallery space, an open studio art class and maybe a kiln for ceramics, Rogers said. Rogers, who is a trained ceramicist from Scotland, said there is a lot of local interest in kiln work in town.
The gallery will continue selling what Rogers calls an “eclectic mix of local art in Alaska.” Their inventory ranges from paintings and textiles to Alaskan foods and homemade soaps, she said.
The Magpie Gallery will be open at least five days a week until Christmas, and then run more limited hours throughout the winter, Rogers said.
On Dec. 7 from 5-8 p.m., the gallery will host a First Friday event unveiling the new space. Josie’s Bread and Bagels will provide Swedish Christmas bread with fruit and cardamom, and other holiday treats.
Mike Ward buys Wrangell IGA
Mike Ward, owner of six local storefronts, will close a deal on a second IGA grocery store in Wrangell on Dec. 10, he said. The business will represent Ward’s first out-of-town expansion, and will eventually be run by his daughter and son-in-law, Caroline and Travis Bangs.
Ward said he has been expansion-minded for “quite some time now,” and chose to look in other towns because he, “didn’t feel the business climate in Haines was ready for an expansion.”
“I’ve had some difficulties with local government in the past,” Ward said. “Their attitude…is not conducive to a private business person wanting to invest a lot of money in Haines right now.”
The grocery store, which has been “Bob’s IGA” under Bob and Bobby Robbins for the past 18 years, will be managed by the Bangs’ in about a year, after Ward trains them, and once their six-week old daughter is a little older, Ward said. The new owners will retain former staff, as requested by Robbins.
In 2015, Caroline Bangs graduated high school in Wrangell and came back to Haines to manage her namesake business, Caroline’s Closet, and learn the ins and outs of grocery management, Ward said. After marrying, the couple decided to move back to Wrangell, Travis’ hometown, at the same time Ward was negotiating a deal with the Robbinses.
“We’re excited to continue working in our family business and be able to live here in Wrangell,” Caroline Bangs said.
Ward said he intends to improve inventory controls in Wrangell by purchasing software modules and handheld scanning systems to collect information and better inform buying decisions.
Ward is finding there is benefit to being involved in two grocery stores at once. “There’s some things Bob has been doing that I should be doing and vice-versa,” he said. Additionally, Ward said that another IGA store will give him increased service and attention from suppliers.
Funny Farm changes hands
A new manager has taken over the Funny Farm, a bed and breakfast and hostel on Mosquito Lake Road, with plans to purchase the lodge next year from owner Bruce Bauer.
Mark Kelly, who has worked as an avalanche forecaster and heliski guide, said the Funny Farm typically caters to heliski tourists, but he plans to offer local discounts and adventure gear to incentivize year-round use. He also wants to provide services for individuals who work in the area. “My hope is to cater to ‘ologists:’ biologists, hydrologists, geologists etc. that will accompany the advancements of the Constantine Palmer Project by providing a comfortable and affordable living and working space close to their project site,” Kelly said.
The lodge has hostel-style beds in shared rooms as well as private rooms, two kitchens and meal plans for groups of six or more. “We also offer dog sitting, equipment and vehicle storage and cater to weddings and birthday parties, art and photography workshops and outdoor education courses.”
Current prices are $35 for a bed in a shared room and $60 for a private room. Prices increase during heliski season.
Kelly is planning a New Year’s Eve party and will offer beds for $20 for those who don’t want to drive.
Kelly has more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor recreation industry. He wants to promote outdoor activities in the area by offering paddle boards, fat-tire bikes, canoe and fishing gear for guests to use.
“More than anything, I just wish to make locals aware of the Funny Farm and what we have to offer and extend an invite to come check the place out,” Kelly said. “There is usually a pot of coffee on.”
Kelly took over in September when current owner Bruce Bauer moved to Juneau due to health issues.