Gallery 510, Fine Art

I visited during First Friday, and Gallery 510 gives a distinct, homegrown feel; I became intrigued with one of the eclectic wall paintings that appeared to have been layered geometrically and painted with broad pastel brushstrokes. So fun! It was a little humorous to me that this very gallery’s address is actually on «510 East Fifth», so it made our plans so much easier. They sell mini arts and crafts products, usually naturally threaded or handmade for socially responsible trade. Some things that caught my eye were the small 3X5-​ish rugs and the souvenir handiwork bags; those were really cute. If you’re into art at all, it’s a really nice one to visit during the evening because you may grab drinks and bites at the eateries located on the same street.

I visited Gallery 510 for the first time (there will be many more to come!) during First Fridays in the Oregon District, and had the pleasure of learning more about the items they sell. They have an important mission: to sell items that are 100% free of the use of slave or trafficked labor. I also learned of another important fact: that nearly 3,500 foreign born people in Ohio are at risk for both labor and sex trade trafficking, 783 of which are estimated to be trafficked into the labor or sex trade within the state. Since it takes approximately two hours from any point in Ohio to cross state lines, the state has a dangerously high potential for labor and/​or sex trafficking that truly entraps individuals by removing them from any place they know – or can find safety. If the incredible high quality and tremendous selection of unique goods doesn’t makes Gallery 510 appealing enough to make it a brilliant addition to the shops on Fifth Street (it does), the mission of running a truly ethical business definitely does.
As I browsed around the store, I was surprised by so many things. Something I really appreciate is their dedication to offering products in a variety of price ranges – from original art work that costs (and is worth) hundreds of dollars to jewelry that costs less than twenty bucks, there actually is something for everyone here. Their products are always changing, keeping the store fresh with rich merchandise that is perfect for gift-​giving – even if that gift is for yourself. I bought a ring ($ 18) that was handmade, and contains real, hand-​pressed flowers. I have never seen anything like it, and as a lover of one-​of-​a-​kind artwork – especially the kind you can wear! – I was delighted by the offerings and couldn’t resist this purchase. I pretty much wanted everything in the gallery.
I cannot recommend 510 Gallery highly enough, and think this is precisely the sort of business that can revive Fifth Street, where many shop are still vacant and seem to have a rather high turnover rate. Be sure to make this a place you pop into – but be warned that you’ll be in the store far longer than you anticipated, browsing the products and probably engaging in great conversation to boot.