Gettysburg’s new “Wholesale Gallery,” located at 54 Chambersburg St., consists of two eclectic shops that cater to different audiences.
The western half of the shop specializes in wall art, action figures, and other paraphernalia dedicated to the various movies and comics that make up the Marvel franchise. Framed posters and detailed figurines of iconic characters pack the room, with Batman and Spiderman peering out of the wide windows and onto Chambersburg Street.
One door down lies Wholesale Gallery’s other half. The contents of this half, which operates under its own name, “Because It’s A Lion,” span across time periods and artistic movements to create an eclectic, vintage vibe.
The gallery is brimming with pieces from every genre. Band posters from the ‘80s hang above stuffed lions handmade in Africa. Modern maritime watercolors spill over onto framed maps of Gettysburg’s National Military Park: And customers are encouraged to explore it all.
Saying she prefers an open-minded approach, co-owner Susan Harrison said “we want the shop to feel comfortable, not like a museum. The gallery is designed to be walkable so customers are able to appreciate the transitions between art styles spanning from French impressionist canvas paintings to modern woodworking.”
The backroom that currently stores vintage 8” by 10” pieces is set to become a designated space for Civil War-related art that will cater to history buff tourists while the front two rooms will remain replete with variety.
The diversity of the shop reflects the work and attitudes of Harrison. Her love of art drew her to combine various artistic themes and mediums to curate the creative, free-flowing atmosphere of the gallery. “We try to have something for everyone,” Harrison explains. After retiring from a full-time government job, Harrison teamed up with Gettysburg College professor Todd Breighner to sell pieces she was passionate about.
Stressing the importance of having pieces that you love in your life, Harrison said the variety of the store mirrors her own interests. “I just love all kinds of art. You can dress yourself and you can dress your walls. Your walls might want to have something nice.”
The store has been a part of the Gettysburg retail scene since it moved into its current location in January. However, the idea began online, when Harrison worked as an auctioneer for three artists in Uganda. Using social media, Harrison was able to connect with the creators, sell their art, and the group contributed profits to the Love Lions Alive Sanctuary in South Africa. Since then, the vast range of art has been sold to locals, tourists, and college students alike.
In the future, the owners hope to utilize the space further. Displaying pieces in the backyard and offering a studio for a beginners’ painting class in the studio were just two of many ideas for down the road.
The main goal of the store now is to continue to make old and new art available to the town throughout the upcoming summer.
Kayla Ellis is a history major at Gettysburg College. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Kayla has written for her local paper, the Amityville Record, and Gettysburg College's The Gettysburgian. Additionally, she served as a social media intern for Athens Insider magazine while she was studying in Greece and as an editor for the Institute for American University's literary magazine while she was studying in France. She will graduate in May of 2023 and pursue a career in journalism.
Susan is an amazing human!
Thanks Kayla! Appreciate the piece.