By Mike McKenna
Two murals decorate the exterior walls of Jane’s Artifacts on Main Street in Hailey.
The one on the north wall is by local artist Kevin Fitzpatrick. The one on the south wall is by the students from Wood River High School’s W.A.T.E.R Club.
“They represent everything we need to do to make our community great,” said Jane Drussel, owner of Jane’s Artifacts.
These murals grace the sides of a historic downtown building with the beauty of public art—art that honors our community and the stunning Valley we call home. The fact that they are both on the sides of a local small business should tell you all you need to know about the impacts and community-first character of the business, Jane’s Artifacts, and its namesake, Jane Drussel.
“You have to do your part to help make this a great place,” said Jane, who has announced she is running for a seat on the Hailey City Council.
But this isn’t a story about Jane running for office. It’s about how Jane has been a successful small-business owner in the Wood River Valley for nearly 40 years and has recently expanded her Hailey location. The former Jane’s Holiday House, an alley away on Bullion Street, is now part of Jane Artifacts. The expanded location now offers the Valley’s best card shop while still offering a terrific selection of seasonal items—Halloween is on its way! Jane’s Artifacts has also expanded its copier services, including adding a large-format printer and the ability to print on canvas.
As Jane’s right-hand woman, George Green says, “We just have more awesomeness.”
“We’re the ‘It Store.’ If you need it, we probably have it,” Jane added.
Jane originally opened a small store in Ketchum with her late husband and longtime business partner, Kenny Drussel, in 1985, and expanded to Hailey in 1987. After selling Jane’s Paper Place in 2004, they re-opened Jane’s Artifacts in 2009 to fill the need for art, school, party supplies and so much more.
When asked about what it takes to be a successful small-business owner, Jane mentioned a few keys components: hard work, having a good staff that offers great customer service, and being a good community member.
“The thing about being a small-business owner is that you have to be willing to work 24/7. You need to be able to reinvest in your company and not take much money out until you are established, and you have to have good customer service,” Jane said. “And we always figure out a way to help just about everyone that walks in the door looking for help.”
Most of Jane’s 10-member staff—familiar, friendly faces like George, Rachel Lee and Hugo Chavez—have been working there for years.
“We’re fortunate to have good people working here,” Jane said, adding, “ and to live in such a great community.”
Please join The Chamber at a Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Jane’s Artifacts’ expanded location at 12 East Bullion Street at 5:30pm on Thurday, Sept. 23 and the 5 Alarm Chili Cook-Off at the Blaine County Historical Museum on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 1-5pm.
