Jason and Candra Hutcheson definitely have their finger on the artistic pulse of the community. They originally opened Creative Lifestyle located close to the Sherwin Williams Paint Store in May 2020 — during COVID. “I know. We are crazy,” she laughed.
Three months ago, they had the opportunity to move to the Harrison Downtown Square and are thrilled with the foot traffic from locals and out-of-state visitors coming through the area. “This location has been perfect for us and we are so excited to be able to be on the Square,” she said.
“You’d be surprised how many people who serve our community have artistic talents,” she said.
Hutcheson added, “100% of our paintings and photography are local people and most of the work is from local places — like Triple Falls or the Boxley Church.”
The art gallery and gift shop is amazing to stroll through. Guests can take advantage of a free cup of coffee and purchase some delicious desserts from Kirklands Deli. “People love their sweets, and it’s fun to say, ‘they are located just down the street.’”
A local 17-year old has some black and white sketches that are amazing and one sold, right after being placed on display. Hutcheson said the artisans who have contributed to the store’s inventory have a wide variety of “day jobs” and ages range from teenagers to retired individuals.
Some of the photography is sold on consignment. Local artisans have also contributed to the inventory with hand-made knives, beautiful stone jewelry made, personalized decorative hammers, hand sketched maps, coffee mugs, T-shirts, nursery art, cards, pottery and so much more.
Hutcheson took a beautiful photo of a thistle in bloom. “When farmers come in, they hate that photo and say there’s no way that’s art. Then a lady from a rehab facility came in and purchased a large metal print because she knows an organization who uses thistles to make paper products and the funds go to help rescue women from prostitution,” she said.
“We have some crazy talented people in this area. Some have never shown their work. Some said it’s been a long time since they’ve shown it in a gallery. I’m very excited to give artists an outlet for their work. Even just to have customers come in and see it. This is a wonderful opportunity,” she said.
Paintings and photography can be placed on metal, wood or canvas and traditional prints. The canvas and metal prints are lightweight and come ready to hang. The photography prints in the store can be purchased in any size and as any type of the prints mentioned.
The gallery has the work of several local professional photographers. Hutcheson is also a professional photographer and has a studio area set up in the back. She specializes in family photography, weddings, senior, and newborn sessions.
“We also have enough room in the back that we are setting up a studio area so people can take art lessons from our local professionals,” she said.
A local veteran painted a majestic eagle in flight with a faint outline of an American flag in the background. “The original hangs in their home because it was a gift to her husband. A numbered lithograph of "Freedom" has been displayed in the West Point Museum.”
The Hutchesons have been in the community for many years. Candra has worked as a nurse for 22 years, in a local clinic, at the hospital and through NAPHE with the college. She was also the first director of Children’s Charity Ministry (CCM) which continues to provide for area children through the backpack program and more.
“My husband is also very creative and worked as a Nashville musician for 30 years with some pretty famous people. His day job has nothing to do with art or music, but he has really worked hard to help us open this studio,” she said.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people in this area and meeting new people is one of my favorite things to do. We are so grateful to be on the Downtown Square. The other business owners have been so helpful, friendly and continue to send us people into the shop,” she said.
An online store is also available for customers at creativelifestyleart.com or they can be viewed from their Facebook page. She loves the outdoors and enjoys giving hiking and trail advice to people who want more information about great places to visit.
“Harrison is a great hub for lots of outdoor activities and places to see in the area,” she said. “Our family loves this area and are grateful we get to serve our community.”
Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The phone number is 870-416-8136. The art gallery is located at 108 North Willow Street.
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