The return of in-person celebrations also brings the added pressure of finding the perfect gift. But Ardmore is lucky to have a store that is filled with unique gifts and fantastic finds for you and your home.

The return of in-person celebrations also brings the added pressure of finding the perfect gift.

TRACE art gallery gift shop offers a curated collection of art and handmade jewelry.

“We love hunting for the undiscovered, for the art and design that will be treasured and functional, beyond any passing trend, and for the entire family to appreciate and use,” said TRACE owner and founder Marny Baxt on the website.

The beautiful store makes for a great shopping experience, however, you can also shop online. In addition to checking out the latest home décor, jewelry, and gifts, learn about the owner’s backstory. Baxt grew up in a family of artists and avid art collectors where she would hang out on artist compounds

“I thought everyone grew up that way, with art and design at the center of their lives,” shares Baxt.

In 2017, tragedy struck when in quick succession she lost both parents to cancer and became a single mother.

When she was sorting through art and antiques collected by her family she experienced an “a-ha moment.” She realized that in order to keep an item it had to either have a functional purpose, be displayed for beauty, or her daughter could enjoy it.

The events put Baxt on a path to help people connect with and support artists in order to curate a collection of functional and distinctive art and design for people to enjoy in their homes.

Baxt left a thriving career in talent management to open TRACE in Ardmore in the spring of 2019. She partnered with Pamela Shaw, a former buyer and product developer at the MoMA Design Store.

“Our clients are people who want art and design they put in their homes, and the gifts they give, to be tasteful, authentic, unique, and beautiful. We work hard to curate a collection of art, home décor, and jewelry that cannot be found anywhere else on the Main Line,” said Baxt.

Shortly after opening, TRACE expanded its services to include home styling and art consultation, including commissioning one-of-a-kind art pieces for clients’ homes.

Read more about local shops at the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board here.