Gaines Kiker’s Gallery sits in the heart of Blowing Rock right off of Main Street and Morris Street. He has lived in Blowing Rock since 1994 and is embarking on the 31st year of his business. He studied in New Jersey under a traditional Italian silversmith, and is a silversmith, goldsmith, wood worker, knife maker, and more. Most of his work is custom created by request or his own inspiration and is all done by hand in the workshop at the back of his gallery.
After his move to Blowing Rock, Gaines met his wife Susan. They made the area their home and started their family here. Their children went to Blowing Rock Elementary School and they are active members of the community both in business and their personal lives. Even the gallery building itself is a work of art and an expression of the Kiker’s love of Blowing Rock. They hand excavated every rock from their personal property and brought them into town to give the gallery a classic and beautiful stone finish it sports today. The stones are all flat and though relatively new by Blowing Rock’s standards, give the impression of a much more historical building.
The Kiker’s pride in their work shines through every aspect of the gallery. It is a beautiful space full of even more beautiful treasures. Susan let us in on the fact that Gaines’ favorite stone is Watermelon Tourmaline and he sources it from a great friend in Brazil. Jewelry made with cross sections of the stone can be found sparkling in their cases along with turquoise and other precious gemstones.
Dash the Dachshund quietly patrols the gallery and gets pets from everyone who visits. A black and white family portrait hangs on the wall behind the counter. Large wooden slabs of the much beloved trees that used to line Memorial Park lean against the wall, reclaimed by Kiker and meticulously cut to remove the disease that led to their removal. Just a look around the gallery crystallizes the Kiker’s priorities and love for their family and hometown.
See more of Gaines’ work here.
828-295-3992
