“We’ve expanded into gifts, handmade items, scarves, jewelry, starting at $8.50. There’s a lot in here for under $100,” reports Graham Mitchell, who started working in the Pierre Paul Art Gallery four years ago as a framer and eventually created a job for himself as media and marketing coordinator.
Now the business has moved to new digs, widened its focus, and changed its name to the Pierre Paul Design Studio. Owner Leveille Jean-Gilles took up an interest in interior design a few years ago and is using the new gallery to showcase his talents: see, for instance, “the beautiful window displays,” says Mitchell, and there are a lot of them: “We have windows on three sides, and we’re on the ground floor, two things we didn’t have in the old place above Mimi’s Bridal shop.”
Pierre Paul’s new spot is just down the road in Arlington Square, at the corner of Huron Parkway and Washtenaw, where the PNC bank used to be. (Mitchell says PNC shut down the location because it needed a drive-through.)
Pierre Paul’s tres French owner’s last name is pronounced “zhawhn-zheel,” and the first name is even harder to pronounce–so he goes by “Lee.” Lee still exhibits artists, from the internationally known Arthur Secunda to locals like Mark Sedgeman and Leslie Masters. And, as before, the gallery doubles as a frame shop.
Pierre Paul Design, 3252 Washtenaw (Arlington Square). 975-1050. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. & Mon. Pierrepauldesign.com
