There’s just something about Pura Vida Gallery in Jerome that invites you to linger for a while. It’s a combination of the fresh flowers in ikebana vases, interesting music and burning candles that makes you slow down and really look at the art, some of which is displayed on antique Romanian and Mexican furniture. The gallery also boasts a tranquil garden with outdoor art. Gallery owners and partners Michael Gamble and Danny Burris opened Pura Vida in May 2004. The couple, who have been together for 14 years, have spent time in Costa Rica where “pura vida” is slang for “life is good.” “We want people to feel relaxed when they come into the gallery and realize that life is good when you are surrounded by beautiful artwork that means something,” says Danny.
Pura Vida specializes in contemporary, functional and organic American handcrafts. The gallery represents 120 artists from across the U.S. and Canada. Michael, Danny and the gallery’s manager, Jeffrey Teare, work together when choosing artists to represent. What kind of art are we talking about? If the gallery represents a glass artist, it’s an artist who creates wine glasses and vases. A ceramicist? Think platters and bowls. There’s also furniture, mirrors, handbags, scarves, wind chimes and plenty of jewelry. “Each piece has soul,” says Danny. “It’s handcrafted by someone we know. They are supporting a family with their art and shopping in their communities with the money they make. We have this great symbiotic relationship with our artists.”
Danny has owned art galleries for 30 years, first in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and then in Asheville, North Carolina, before he and Michael opened their first joint gallery in Jerome. Since then, the couple has owned a gallery in Hawaii and, most recently, a gallery called Handcrafted near San Diego. Danny has a background in horticulture and landscape architecture. Michael’s background is in accounting. The couple divide their time between California and Jerome, and they are avid art collectors. “We wind up with whatever gets broken or chipped in the gallery,” says Michael, laughing. – Erika Ayn Finch. Photo by Ron Chilston.
MORE SEDONA ART GALLERIES: Shows, exhibitions and happenings
