Trained as a classical pianist and with a love for minimalist Swedish and Danish design and old wood furniture, the Elmhurst-raised and 20-year Jackson Heights resident owner, Francisco (they/them/theirs and he/him/his), has seen a lot of their passions and interests intersect at the helm of locally owned business, Art Retail Therapy. Francisco has a love for creating spaces and repurposing someone else’s “trash” into a treasure of design.

In the Summer of 2021, the news had made it around the neighborhood that the beloved GC Stationery, the neighborhood art and stationery store, was going to close. Francisco paid a visit to the owner, Mr. Patel, who opened a window into his institution, GC Stationery. After several conversations and time spent together at the business, Mr. Patel encouraged Francisco to take the opportunity of continuing the legacy of a business that had been rooted in Jackson Heights for over half a century. With Mr. Patel’s guidance and mentorship and the help and support from the loved ones around them, Francisco is enjoying the excitement and interest from the neighborhood and continues to grow Art Retail Therapy into more than an art store, but also an art and community space that this neighborhood deserves.

Jackson Heights is a unique neighborhood where its residents are passionate about supporting local stores and talent. Having a space where people feel comfortable and safe to shop, learn, practice their art, and express their artistic viewpoints is of the utmost importance. Neighbors come in to buy something, and find themselves getting lost in the store, opening up for conversation, finding inspiration, feeling encouraged to practice art, and becoming regulars that we look forward to seeing.