Introducing Castle Gallery!

The story behind the gallery and how we ended up in Middleburg

Last week a vertical sign at 10 East Federal in Middleburg, Virginia was hung - and I am finally giving myself permission to write the words “I’m opening a gallery.” It’s wild to see a lifelong dream play out, mostly because amidst all of the pinch me moments (big for me has been the vinyls on the window - that makes it seem so real!) there are also many moments that feel mundane already - buying a measuring tape before finding two others and submitting zoning paperwork. It’s hard to have a 30,000ft view!

So, in as many ways that this post is a way of sharing the behind the scenes and the road to get to this place, and it is also a moment for me to reflect and soak in! Several years ago I called opening a gallery a pipe dream, and now I am standing on a doormat that I ordered for a gallery in a place I never expected.

The road to Middleburg

During this past spring, I had an initial pop-up for the gallery to test the waters. We found the perfect spot in Georgetown and after an all gas month, I knew it was time to find a permanent spot for Castle Gallery to land. Since I live in Old Town, Alexandria, a hub of small businesses in a walkable area, the obvious answer seemed to be at my doorstep. But after months and months of closed doors, I had a gut feeling that it was time to pivot.

In retrospect, this process has already been smoothed over in my memory. I wanted so badly for my vision to work out. But it became obvious that between the eye-watering rent averages and tiny spaces, Old Town was a closed door. I know I’m in good company with other small businesses that feel the pressure to make something work and no matter how hard you try, it just doesn’t.

One night while visiting family on vacation, I let myself do the Zillow slide. You know when you are looking for a new place to live, and then just for fun slide into looking at what’s available in Nantucket? My search in Old Town moved to Middleburg, a place I have loved visiting for years as a native of northern Virginia.

For those unfamiliar with Middleburg, it is an incredibly charming town located about an hour from Washington, DC in the rolling hills of Virginian hunt country. Surrounded by picturesque wineries, Middleburg is a haven for small businesses and thrives as a resort town with guests from Goodstone Inn, the Salamander and Red Fox Inn.

Within a matter of days, I was scheduled for tours of two listings in Middleburg. When I saw 10 E Federal, previously the home of Middleburg Gourmet, I had a gut feeling. It took seeing beyond the yellow walls, the missing flooring, and the general need for a broom, but I was struck by the size of the space and the existing division that meant I could have two gallery rooms, storage space, AND an office.

After weeks of lease reviewing and negotiations (and the many times I thought it would all fall apart), we were signed with the keys in hand.

Castle Origins

A permanent space has come with a permanent name change - and I’ve had a lot of questions about where “castle” came from. The Google folder on my Drive has always been titled Castle Gallery and it’s been the plan all along! Castle was my grandmothers maiden name and reflects a legacy of storytelling and small business. Her family had an eponymous grocery story, one of the first small businesses in my family, and she herself was a champion of people and their stories.

It’s a crazy feeling to see her name on the windows of a gallery in Middleburg, and I am honored to have a nod to her impact on my family in this way.

Castle Gallery will open it’s doors for the first time on December 4th, and I cannot wait for it to just exist. Perfecting will come, as will a schedule of shows that brings artists I love to the DC region, but for now I’m relishing in the sound of the key turning in the knob, and the switching on of the lights. A blank slate to let a vision play out - what could be more exciting?

Holiday Pop-up: Caroline Jean Gray and Lydia Marie Elizabeth

To celebrate the holidays and the opening of the gallery, two artists that I love will be popping up in half of the gallery! Lydia and Caroline have become good friends over the years and, in addition to being beloved in Middleburg, they are incredibly talented artists who have also been long time collaborators.

Both artists will have original artwork for sale in addition to great giftable product for the season, and will be in the gallery to meet you all month!

We will also be featuring antiques from The Paradise Antiques in the galley all month - if you have yet to go, you simply have to add this antique paradise (truly!) to your list. It’s a place unlike any other and we’re so lucky to have their beautiful pieces in the shop.

Opening Weekend!

I would love to see you at our opening weekend if you are local to the area! Below are the details for Thursday - Saturday, but please join us all December long while the pop-up is in the gallery! We will be open all month, Wednesday - Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12-4pm.

Thursday, December 4 - Opening Day
We are opening early at 8am with @laselvacoffeeco ! Their coffee truck will be parked by the gallery until 3pm. We’ll be open until 5pm!

Friday, December 5 - Grand Opening VIP Party
Join us 10am-6pm to sip and shop! Enjoy a special toast and refreshments by @caymuscab from 4pm-6pm and the Middleburg Tree Lighting at 5:30pm.

Saturday, December 6 - Parade Day!
Open from 10am-5pm with a hot chocolate bar by @milkhoneyespressobar from 12pm-2pm! Refreshments by @caymuscab and shopping all day!

Sunday, December 7th - Après-Parade!
Stop by and say hi from 12pm-4pm