Studio 2 gilded+frayed displays original artwork by Odoms.

For Barbara Odoms, “gilded” and “frayed” represent the old and the new.

The multimedia artist and owner of Studio 2 gilded+frayed, a new shop and gallery located in Astoria’s Occident Building on Marine Drive, reflects that contrast with an array of plants, original artwork and carefully curated pieces.

Stepping into the gallery, one is greeted by the smell of coffee emanating from Sun Bean Coffee Co., which shares the space.

All of it is meant to evoke the traditional Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic that values beauty in imperfection, graceful age and quiet authenticity. The philosophy resonates with Odoms and influences her own artwork and the products she carries.

It’s reflecting “the art of a simple life,” she said. “I’m trying to create a tranquil atmosphere that people — in the chaos of their lives — want to bring home with them.”

The gallery and coffee shop celebrated their grand opening earlier this month, but their journey started earlier this year.

‘A cohesive storefront’

Odoms’ shop has had several temporary locations, including in the Van Dusen Mercantile and the Menagerie Co-op before she partnered with Sun Bean owner Beckey Lilley to lease the new space on Marine Drive, which formerly housed Brumfield Gallery.

They opened in August and have spent the past few months stocking inventory, getting the espresso bar up and running and settling in.

The two businesses remain distinct yet complementary, offering “a cohesive storefront” for patrons, Odoms said.

Sun Bean — owned by veterans who were born and raised in Astoria — offers coffee, plants, and gardening supplies, while gilded+frayed features art, clothing and other lifestyle items.

“It’s a lovely mix, and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback,” Odoms said.

Studio 2 gilded+frayed is not Odoms first establishment. She also opened the Studio II Art Center in Clatskanie in 2021 and maintains a studio space there.

However, she’s long had an attachment to Astoria and the Occident Building. She can recall when her current storefront housed Astoria Janitor Supply, a high-end jeans store, and the Brumfield Gallery.

“I’ve always admired this space,” she said. When she heard it was coming open, she felt hopeful about the prospect of it being the new permanent home of Studio 2 gilded+frayed, which had moved between temporary locations.

“Each time, it changes more into who I am becoming,” Odoms said. “I believe this is the iteration that is me.”

‘Leaning into the simple’

Odoms feels she’s always had a connection to the concept of wabi-sabi and incorporated it into her life — even before she could define it.

Then, a few years ago, a couple of her friends were retiring as antique dealers. She purchased some of their inventory, including hundreds of vintage kimono and obi.

As she started creating wearable art and taking apart pieces that were no longer wearable to incorporate into new creations, it inspired her to dive deeper into the Japanese philosophy.

“I realized I’ve been doing this for years, I just didn’t have a name for it,” Odoms said. “My whole style has been leaning into the simple.”

The concept is embedded into the second part of her shop’s name, “gilded+frayed,” as well as her tagline, “The art of the simple life.”

It’s also surfaced in Odoms’ artistic achievements, which include a solo exhibition titled “Japanese Textiles and Wearable Art” at the Astoria Art Loft. Additionally, she co-curated a show entitled “Textiles & Art” at the Clatskanie Library.

At Studio 2 gilded+frayed, she focuses on curating products that are eco-conscious, durable and sustainable. Her inventory includes natural fiber and natural fiber blend clothing from Cut Loose Clothing, Dolma and Ethos.

Additionally, she carries products from the local French Cat Studio and designer Mary de la Salandra. There’s also seating, where people can relax and enjoy their coffee, and space for Odoms’ and Lilley’s workshops and events.

“Having this open feeling (at the gallery) and being able to enhance wabi-sabi, it just couldn’t be beat,” Odoms said. “It was meant to be.”

Studio 2 gilded+frayed

Studio 2 gilded+frayed

1033 Marine Drive, Suite A, Astoria

Gallery and Sun Bean Coffee Co. open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays

@gildedandfrayed

www.gildedandfrayed.com