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A new gallery and gift shop, The Village Tinker, opens Tuesday in a remodeled portion of the Cates Building at 417 W. Broadway Ave. in Maryville, offering a wide variety of items, many of which are hand-crafted.

It is located across from Maryville Municipal Center in space once occupied by J&K Grocery Store, a pizza restaurant and tattoo parlor. Part of the flooring is the original wood from the grocery store.

The shop has something for every pocketbook, with gifts ranging from a $7,000 carved statue of a Native American that has been featured on the front of Dollywood brochures to $1 puzzles for children.

With a name like Tinker, it was a natural idea for Joanna, Betty and Andy Tinker to open a gift shop by that name which features art of numerous local and area craftsmen.

When Betty and Andy Tinker first married they lived in England for a time and would walk through the various shops and say that with a name like Tinker they should open a shop.

The entire Tinker clan, including grandchildren, have been involved in the new gallery.

The Tinkers own and operate Pokey's and Sports, which is now located at 335 W. Broadway Ave. next door to the Cate building.

Two or three years ago they purchased the Cate building where the gallery is located. Joanna Tinker, daughter-in-law of Betty and Andy, will manage the business.

From another era

The building has been restored to resemble an earlier era gallery, with wood floors, lighting fixtures from the old Walker Supply showroom, a display case from an old country store at Tallassee and many gift items done by hand for people of any age.

Adding to the ambiance of the gallery is a stone fireplace. The Tinkers praised the work of local craftsmen in remodeling the business. Robert Galyon was project manager on the work, which started Jan. 6.

Items for sale will include work of Billy and Terri Reynolds, who do intricate wood carvings and hand-painted gourds with cut-outs. Billy Reynolds will be working part time at the shop.

Another artist carved an eagle out of an elk antler and does spirit faces.

Jewelry comes in the form of centuries-old Russian amber, hand-carved cameos and hand-blown glass.

Debbie McMurray's quilted wall hangings are for sale.

Many recycled items

Many items have been recycled.

An artist from Rutledge does scrimshaw carvings using the ivory from old piano keys.

Lois Armstrong has a unique art. She takes actual tree leaves and paints birds on them.

Another artists uses recycled glass to make vases, chargers and other items.

Eventually, taxidermist Andrew Clabough will be displaying an Alaskan grizzly bear (not for sale) and pheasants (for sale).

Paintings of Grace Garland are available.

Andy Tinker's addition to the gallery merchandise is hand-turned wood pieces, including a Nativity scene and a welcome sign.

Campbell (from North Carolina) and Flambeaux (from Louisiana) pottery is also featured.

Joanna Tinker likes the work of a New York artist who has a unique stamp to tool leather with leaf designs.

Goose Rocks Designs provides wind chimes.

Westwood Chairs are hand-made rocking chairs made by a craftsman who lives just outside Birmingham, Ala.

Old vintage spoons are turned into bookmarks, glasses holders and pendants, crafted by another artist from Birmingham, R.F. Hilburn.

Handmade tutus

Tutus in pastel shades of pink, blue, lavender and yellow are handmade by Porter Elementary teacher Jessica Ernsberger. She had a little girl in ballet and started making tutus for her.

For children there are also stuffed animals, wooden toys and a Native American teepee.

Another offering that calls to little children are aprons that are identical to those made for adults.

Wall hangings of Sarah Tinker Ratledge are offered for sale.

Lewis Family Crafts provides quilt holders for wall hangings and quilts that do not damage the cloth items.

Eventually classes will be offered in such things as basketry, pottery and crochet.

The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.