Friends and fans of The Greenwich Exchange for Women’s Work gathered Thursday night for a champagne reception to celebrate the completion of a major renovation.
The entire month of August, the shop was closed. When the exchange reopened, the infant room, was moved downstairs and to the front of the store, where all sorts of gorgeous hand-smocked dresses, bibs, and stuffed animals are displayed among the whimsical paintings of artist Karen Schmitz, who used the walls as her canvas.
Other rooms throughout the house are brimming with handmade crafts that range from jewelry, to pillows, greeting cards, baby gifts and handsmocked dresses.
During the renovation, the check-out register was moved to the main room from a tiny room at the back of the store and many repairs were made throughout.
The party was well-timed for thoughts of holiday gift shopping and the cash-register was chiming throughout the party. A tent was set up in the charming walled courtyard where guests were treated to champagne and crudités before they stepped inside the Christmas cottage out back.
Elaine Gencarelli, whose handmade jewelry is popular at the Exchange, attended the reception with her mother Annina. Small world: Annina’s husband (Elaine’s dad), Carmine Gencarelli, is the beloved Cos Cob School crossing guard who was featured on the first day of school on Greenwich Free Press.
The Greenwich Exchange for Women’s Work is located at 29 Sherwood Place in Greenwich. Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm on Monday to Friday and 11-3 on Saturdays. Tel. (203) 869-0229
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