By Jon Robertson (Contact / Staff Bio)
March 27, 2008 - 12:00 a.m. EST

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Patina on the Alley co-owner Ginger Pope hangs a pen and ink drawing from Clemson University President James Barker. The piece was part of an exhibit last year showcasing university artwork. Photo by Jon Robertson/Staff

SENECA — If the right owners come along, a local art gallery will keep its place in state notoriety.

Patina on the Alley owners Ginger Pope and Bobby Whorton announced their intention earlier this week to sell the Ram Cat Alley gallery in downtown Seneca. The gift shop carries statewide significance, as it is registered in the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Art Trail.

Receiving the honor in 2006, Patina is one of 23 Upstate members on the trail, which a committee selects based on the ability to sell visual art while having the potential to attract tourism. Selling work from local and regional artists, Patina is one of two Seneca retail outlets (the other being The Arts Company on Townville Street) to receive the distinction.

Patina is also a fixture in events like Arts on the Alley and Downtown Go ’Round, partnering with local merchants and organizations to coordinate art-related events to attract downtown visitors. The gallery portion of Patina includes a rotating showcase of work.

Pope, the store manager, is relocating to Monroe, N.C. with her husband to be closer to family, while Whorton and his wife will remain in the area. Whorton and Pope hope to sell the business as a whole in order to keep local artwork in the facility. The store would maintain its designation on the Art Trail, Pope said, as long as a future owner continues to reserve art gallery space.

Pope, president of Ram Cat Alley Merchant Association, said she would keep her responsibilities in the arts community through the fall, including roles in organizing the next Arts on the Alley, a Ram Cat Alley art merchant event held in coordination with Memorial Day Weekend Meet & 3.

“Seneca has become an art destination,” Pope said Wednesday. “They (visitors) know each shop has its own niche.”

Patina and The Arts Company join Blue Ridge Arts Center, Oconee Community Theatre and Seneca City Hall as Art Trail members in the immediate Seneca area.