Carrie Pittman Opens CANVAS in Homewood

For Carrie Pittman, what began simply as a passion for painting has now blossomed into her first brick-and-mortar store in the heart of Homewood. Behind the Valley Hotel and across from Soho, the light and airy shop provides the perfect space to showcase her pieces that have become a favorite of designers, clients, and galleries across the Southeast. Art lovers will find a selection of Carrie’s original pieces ranging from $20 gifts to $4,000 large, framed artwork. And in the creative synergy that has come to encompass so many local businesses in Birmingham, Carrie also chose to include home and lifestyle items from female vendors across the Southeast. Visitors will find, among other lines: Too Pillows, Christina Cohn Ceramics, Southern Infused olive oil, Favor candles, and MG intaglios.

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We were able to catch up with the artist about opening CANVAS, her creative inspirations, and what local businesses bring to Birmingham.

On Making the Move to a Brick-and-Mortar Shop

I had no plans to, really. I love painting commissions for clients and am represented in galleries throughout the Southeast. This location is hard to come by, and Homewood is such a fun area. The additions of the Valley Hotel and Little Donkey really add to the area. People are always asking where they can “see” my work. Art usually needs to be seen in person - not just on Instagram or by web site.

I felt like this space wasn’t overwhelming to manage or maintain. I still need time to paint and create which is most important to me. I looked around my house at the items I enjoy the most and reached out to each woman and asked if they’d want to join me. They all said yes! Every item I have, I use and love, and each person is a friend. CANVAS is a happy story!

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CANVAS offers a variety of home and lifestyle items from vendors across the Southeast.

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What local, independent shops in Birmingham offer our local community

Personality. I think no matter how big and busy the world gets, people always want to connect with people. Everyone has a story to tell!

CANVAS as a shop and so much more

CANVAS is also a place to meet with me and discuss custom pieces - paintings, curtains, textiles. I love working with designers and clients to create a unique painting. Canvas implies art, but I wanted a term that gives the overarching theme of lifestyle and elements that make a home.

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