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| Business: 07/10/2008
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Kaeti Bailie new owner of Artifax gallery and gift store on the Plaza
 Ryan Lely/Sonoma Valley Sun “This has always felt like a peaceful and nurturing spot to me and now I can bring that same sense of tranquility and quiet energy to the people who come here,” exclaims Bailie. Kaeti Bailie fulfilled a long-held passion to have her own retail shop and gallery when she took over Artifax on April 1. Bailie, a well-known Sonoma artist and realtor, has cherished the idea of finding a space to exhibit her paintings and the work of other artists and to provide an array of beautiful objects and one-of-a-kind treasures. When Bailie found out that Artifax partners Tom Rubel and Candace Tisch were selling their business, she didn’t hesitate to acquire it. “Tom and Candace had Artifax for 18 years,” said Bailie, “and they built a wonderful reputation and a very loyal following with many repeat customers. I was a client of theirs for many years and so I knew the type of merchandise they carried – exquisite and unique gifts and jewelry from around the world – and this was where I would shop for special gifts.” Bailie intends to continue the framework established by Rubel and Tisch and seek out distinctive handmade objects of art for the home and garden as well as fine jewelry from local artisans and far-flung exotic regions. “My love of travel is something I’ll be able to indulge eventually and start to build personal relationships with artists and craftspeople in other countries,” she said. In addition to doing minor remodeling, Bailie has brought in new jewelry lines, added fresh-cut flowers for sale and plans on expanding the art exhibits with a series of artist’s receptions. She’s also deepening her own understanding of art. “ I’m gaining a greater appreciation for the incredible spectrum of folk and cultural art that Artifax tapped into from nearly every continent,” she said. “From delicately wrought antique Kashmir silver to colorful and joyful beaded creations from Nigeria and ceremonial stones from India, there are so many fine pieces – and each has a story of its own to tell.” Artifax occupies a prime location on the Plaza, directly across from the Carnegie Library building and the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. “Looking at it as a realtor, I couldn’t ask for a better location, and with its long history, it attracts locals and visitors alike,” Bailie said. The store’s ambiance is part of what drew Bailie to it, as a customer and now as an owner. “This has always felt like a peaceful and nurturing spot to me and now I can bring that same sense of tranquility and quiet energy to the people who come here.”
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