Touchstone Gallery — Attraction in Newport

I have no doubt that the artists of this gallery are phenomenal at what they do. However, the “gallarista” Jacquee Christnot is highly unprofessional and has poor customer service skills. I first messaged the Touchstone Gallery four months ago in hopes to have a piece commissioned as a gift. This was the only way I could get in touch with a specific artist. I placed my deposit and proceeded to wait. This was in March and it is now July. I reached out once a month for an update and was not received with the kind of customer service expected from this establishment. I understand that artists have their own schedules but as the artist’s liaison and gallery owner, I was taken aback at the responses I received from Jacquee. She was unapologetic and rude when I asked for updates. I even told her I understood her predicament and only hoped she could understand where my frustrations were coming from, being a paying customer with no information or product after all this time. Her responses proceeded to become shorter and increasingly impolite. In the end, I asked for my deposit back and was told that this was the “best gift” and that I had been “terrible to work with.” That all being said, I DO NOT recommend Touchstone Gallery or the owner Jacquee Christnot. If you have a chance to work with the artists...

I stopped here last year and got a beautiful mug. I was excited to return and purchase some other items because I love to support local artists when I'm on a trip. I drove 20 minutes south just to go here. The owner was talking with an older couple while I looked at some bowls. She said, "Those two are sold," and I thought she was talking to the couple she had been speaking to. Then, she walks right behind me and says loudly, "Those two are sold! I'll put them back." She was very rude. We quickly left and won't return. I'm not sure why you wouldn't keep sold pieces in the back, or at least be polite when someone is looking at them. As a small business owner, a decent demeanor is important. If you like to support artists, this is a great spot. I guess just hope the owner is in...

Touchstone Gallery offers an incredible array of handcrafts and art. Many of the offerings are from Lincoln County and surrounding areas.

You will find clayworks; beeswax candles; collages and assemblages; paintings; colorful jewelry in a variety of mediums; feltwork; glass art, paper art including cards, journals and calendars and much, much more.

Jacquee, the owner and curator of this fabulous display, has a great gift of art herself. Her presentation of the collection shows off her incredible eye for quality as well as imagination and creativity.

Stop by Touchstone Gallery and be prepared to be impressed. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and remember to say hello to the adorable...