‘The imagination can go crazy’: New art studio, unusual gift shop open in Myrtle Beach
Donna Davis is in the business of making the imagination go crazy.
After all, hers has been running wild for 40 years.
The Little River resident recently opened a business in Myrtle Beach called Emerald Bay Trading Company, where she teaches basket weaving, has a gift shop and hosts other artists who offer classes.
“The imagination can go crazy with a simple little sand dollar,” Davis said, referring to an item sometimes used as a starting point for what will eventually become a one-of-a-kind basket.
Davis’ studio, located at 9904 N. Kings Highway, opened at the beginning of June and an accompanying gift shop is set to open Monday.
“I’m excited,” Davis said of her new business.
While the business is new, Davis has been doing basket weaving for four decades. She learned the art from a Gullah woman who worked for her mother years ago and has been enthralled in the practice ever since.
“I think being able to be creative,” Davis said, referring to what got her hooked on the art form. “Every single item that I see, whether I’m shopping or watching TV or whatever, everything I see can be a potential basket. If you saw my pieces you would understand.”
Davis has been teaching basket weaving on the Grand Strand for five years, working with institutions such as Coastal Carolina University, Horry County recreation centers and senior centers. She previously had a gallery in the Florida Keys and has taught in other cities in South Carolina and North Carolina over the years.
“As I traveled and got more into and got better at it, it became a business,” said Davis, a Charleston native.
Davis said she has done sweet grass basket weaving as well, but mostly sticks to pine needle weaving as the materials are easier to find. In fact, she sometimes finds herself in unique situations when it comes to collecting material for her art.
“I’ve been known to knock on a stranger’s door and ask if I can raid their yard,” she said. “If they let me I make a basket for them.”
Davis said reservations for her classes can be made via email (emeraldbay54@yahoo.com) or by calling her (843-360-4551), and she said 85 percent of her students are return customers. Some of her regulars include people who use it as a release to help combat health conditions.
Students get to take their art home with them, while everything else is available to be purchased through the gift shop.
The gift shop itself features plenty of unusual items, Davis said. You can find products such as dream catchers, voodoo dolls, Hawaiian warrior helmets and more.
“It’s kind of one of those places you have to come in and see the crazy, fun things,” Davis said of the gift shop, which will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Davis noted that she produces other items aside from baskets, such as wall hangings, trays, napkin holders, jewelry and hair-related pieces. She’s planning for a grand opening event in August.
“It’s really a cool atmosphere. You have to see it,” she said.
