When a local storefront in Downtown Auburn went out of business (it was either Pursepicacity or Blush, I don’t remember which is still there, I never set foot in either) and a new business began to prep the location to move in, I became curious as to what it might be. Then about 4 weeks ago, the sign went up, reading auburnART.com and made me feel conflicted. Especially when someone in Biggin thought that we were somehow affiliated (we aren’t). Was a bigger presence with money and a storefront behind it going to install itself and render this site fledgling site an also-ran? Would this blog get confused with what might upon opening, end up being a center for kitschy auburn arts and crafts? I waited with baited breath to find out what this new business turned out to be.
Then the paper came off the windows to reveal something that was simultaneously a relief, and an obnoxious disappointment. Read on to see what I found…
It turns out AuburnART.com is a purveyor of all that is cliché Auburn crud. Want a giant framed tiger portrait (with orange and blue matting no less!) with an eagle flying overhead? This is the place! Want a Tommy Tuberville portrait over you mantle, despite how awkward its prominent placement seems to the rest of your household? This is where you get it! Cheesy blue and orange door-hangers, blue and orange glassware, and blue and orange toilet paper (ok that’s a lie, but you get my point). Does Auburn, already drowning in souvenirs and memorabilia, really need another place like this? After all, within a two block radius, there is J&M, Anders Bookstore, Tiger Rags, CameraGraphics (selling matted prints), and others I cant remember to name, all selling tons of this type of stuff. Isn’t this overkill? Considering that the city and university will probably rake in millions of dollars each Saturday this fall, I guess not.
I am not sure what I am expecting from such a big football town, where alumni (many of which don’t even live in the county) and the athletic department carry more policy making weight than the people who simply happen to live here. But I guess this is the atmosphere people want, and pay for, on gamedays; Yet another means to buy orange t-shirts hats, and various tiger emblazoned periphery. I don’t know why I expected anything more.
Sanctifying trashcans with religious zealot handouts since 2006,
Brandon
7 Comments
Branadean,
my feelings exactly.. That makes me really sad. I was actually strangely curious as to what it might be, mistakenly thinking it might be something of interest. Sadly, I’m still a naive girl and this town is still kitsch.
I wonder what it will be like living in the Land of No Football? Wherever that may be, it sounds delightful.
in their defense, it is “framed art” and “art collectibles” related to auburn. they even sell wagoner’s pieces.
but i feel the pain. its not real art. its junk, and even the owner has expressed this.
Well, of course my criticism isn’t with you, but the business. Is there really a need for more of this stuff, there are so many places here that sell framed pictures of random football players (within a block no less). However, I understand there is money to be made from the hoards of old people who come every weekend for the games, so I guess i’ll just have to deal.
oh, of course i know the criticism was aimed at them. i think the market is saturated with football junk, but they’ve found a niche in that market — framed football art. surprisingly, the most of the other places purchase that “art” from them and resell it in their store. i’ve just never liked the notion of it being “art” to begin with, but to most people, its about the nicest “art” they can decorate their house with.
I say we tailgate the next art opening at Biggin.
That would be really cool. Strange, but cool.
Hello everybody, my name is Damion, and I’m glad to join your conmunity,
and wish to assit as far as possible.