Look closely under the awning of The Green Door in Apalachicola, Florida, and a hand-painted, wooden sign pops out.  The sign, hung cock-eyed in the center of a front facing window, reads: “You can take the girl out of Rhode Island, but you can’t take the Rhode Island out of the girl!”

A lot of artists may have one piece in a gallery, but few have the luxury of showcasing in an entire building, that will soon include its backyard. When asked how she got such an opportunity, she exclaimed, “Good luck!” Freidman further explained, “Things weren't working out as a tenant in someone else's space. I didn't know it then, but it's the best thing that happened. I'd passed this abandoned building several times and finally popped into the The Gardens, Inc. next door. I learned that the Willis' – an old, Apalachicola family – owned the building and desired to rejuvenate the Bowery District.  I invited Kathy Willis to my home, and before I knew it, we were cleaning and renovating to build the warm, inviting space that is the Green Door.”

Massachusetts transplant, and Friedman’s business partner, Paulette Moss, vacationed in Apalachicola while working at American Express, and took an early retirement.  She and Freidman met at the Gibson Inn (locally famous for its Friday night “porch sits”).  She tells her version of the story, “Amy came up to me and my friend and said, ‘I’m without a husband this weekend, how about dinner?’ We found out both of us were born in Rhode Island, which is unusual.”

Moss continued, “Kathy,” who also owns Grady Market on the riverfront and is the great granddaughter of builder Henry Grady, “wanted to do an antique shop, but told Amy she could use this space for a studio.  She moved in August of 2008. I helped her on the financial end of things and we decided it was going well. Now, I take care of her like one of my own kids.”

As the painter, “My job is to make it pretty, and make it happen,” says Friedman about her role in the retail store that officially opened in October.  The Green Door not only houses art and antiques, but celebrates Friedman’s exuberance. Her current studio is in an open corner of the store, accented by a popularly-commissioned tin fish, large enough to adorn a 20-foot wall space. Tables are always strewn with limpet shells, bare busts and wooden crosses awaiting their transformations. “The store started as a place for my work and evolved,” she said, adding, “I’m having trouble keeping up, which is great to say in this market.”
“She does such versatile work,” says Moss. A large painting of two, fantastical flowers rising from long, weaving strands of green grass against a bright pink background goes for $1,200.00, whereas six note cards sell for $15.00. 

Regarding products they carry, Moss explained, “We try to keep the people as local as possible. We have blown glass from Janke Studios in Atlanta, Georgia and fresh water pearl jewelry by Allison Craft of Beach Dance Designs.” Other items include E. Barnett soaps and Dash & Albert rugs. “You need in-outdoor furniture in this area,” said Moss, chuckling, “At our ‘coming out’ party, one of my friends made homemade brownies and word got out they are the best in town. The next morning, the wonderful rugs were full of brownies! We used a hose and they dried in two hours; a testament to that particular product, but we truly love or have tested everything.” She admits, “Not everything works, but we have fun.”

The day this writer waltzed in, Friedman was telling a customer that she and another artist (a potter) were thinking about taking welding classes. “I’m covering my helmet in shells,” she was formulating.  Freidman said over e-mail, “Welding just lends itself to another form and medium for my art. I love incorporating old treasures into my designs. Sculptures to date have utilized tin shingles, metal roofing and copper along with local roadside treasures. Are there more tin fish on the horizon?  We won't know, until I get that torch in my hands.”

When not in Apalachicola, Friedman lives with her family in Atlanta, where she also treasure-hunts.  “Friday in Atlanta is known as ‘sale-ing day!’ A group of friends and I go out at dawn armed with a map, newspaper, bungee cords and blankets. When I can’t get back, I expect phone calls telling me they just found the perfect ‘Amy’ piece, whether it is an antique mantle with the perfect patina, a rusted scooter or pair of decrepit roller skates!”

One particular type of shell, however, is a centerpiece of Friedman’s art. “Limpets are our clear favorite,” she said. “Their deep turquoise, greens and blues make me happy. Turns out, I'm not the only one, my customers love them too!”  The shells are harvested by wholesaler Darlene’s Shells, and when used to ornament crosses, they sell, “like hotcakes” at Christmas, for $1.50.  “We use them in many creative ways,” says Moss. “Sometimes to enhance; sometimes as art themselves.” She prophesized, “One day, this building might be covered in shells!  Amy does love them.”

“And of course the Oyster!” Friedman interjected. “Apalachicola is synonymous with oysters, so we incorporate oyster shells to lend a nautical feel to our art.  Inspiration is all around me.  Apalach is not only beautiful but has many colorful characters that call this place home.  I love the historic homes and the tight-knit community. I feel like I am investing in my community, by investing in bringing local art to the masses and to keeping Apalach a quaint, seaside community, plus, promoting it as a destination for art and artists.”

Moss, Friedman and Willis joined the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce with The Green Door in November of 2008. Of the camaraderie with other businesses, Moss happily reports, “We all want Apalach to succeed.” This end of the Bowery District may look desolate, but toward town, Artemis Gallery, The Times and the Chamber all share Commerce Street. At the corner before the Green Door is a storage building, and moving toward the river where the shrimp boats glide in is Pesky Pelican. Displaying their rack card in other stores is, “what’s nice about this area,” said Moss. “Daphne, at Honey Hole Liquor always sends people over here!” Moss concluded, “That kind of loyalty is neat.”

The store is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but even on a Tuesday when Moss is dropping off materials, people come in and shop, if the door is open. “Our intention is to be open, so if Amy is painting, people come in at 11:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.”  Moss, shrugged, exclaiming, “I can’t tell her what to do!” It also seems as if every weekend is the “busiest weekend ever.” “If we have to redecorate the whole shop, that’s good news,” said Moss. “It’s a wonderful boost to our ego, and means there is always something to do, like a bunch of crosses looking for limpets.”

Regarding how having the shop has changed her painting, Friedman said “Although I had not planned it, the marsh scapes have turned into a personal favorite. I also like to paint whimsical pieces which portray the colorful houses that dot St. George Island.”  She concludes, “Painting is a matter of mood, so we never know what the day holds! That's what makes it fun, and that's what my customer's like. They are never sure what they're going to find behind the Green Door!”

Plans for future paintings jive with the Green Door website that went live in April. AB Creations in Panama photographed gallery favorites. “We can hardly keep the “Love You More” signs on wall,” Moss says, adding, “but the website could change stuff. Keeping it interesting is our biggest challenge.”  Friedman thinks, “The challenge – and a good one at that – is that when someone falls in love with a piece and takes it home. It leaves a hole, on the wall that needs to be filled. So, the canvasses are part of business.  Hopefully, they'll become someone's next, must-have piece!”

Original art, and more, is now available directly from: www.amytheartist.com.

Location information:
The Green Door
149 Commerce Street
Apalachicola, FL 32320
(850) 653-1424