For those who do not have the time to read the entire review, allow me to front-load the fact that Inuit Gallery of Vancouver exceeded my expectations on all levels. I most certainly recommend doing business with Melanie and her crew.
I was in the market for a small soapstone sculpture to ship to Montreal for my parents' wedding anniversary and, due to health concerns, could not make it in to the store to shop in-person. Still, I was extremely motivated to get a gift for my folks and only thanks to the attention and patience and superhuman efforts of the folks at Inuit Gallery of Vancouver did this become possible. The website makes accessible good quality images, dimensions, and prices of many of the works that are available for purchase. I had narrowed down my list to 4 or 5 pieces and I needed some guidance to identify the one piece that would ultimately be selected. Melanie answered questions about sculpture size, quality of the stone used, and even information about the region and the specific artist responsible for the piece. She did so with great patience and thoughtfulness. She seemed to understand my needs and wants and helped me to select a piece that absolutely delighted the recipients who already have a good-sized collection accumulated slowly over a great number of years.
Keep in mind that I did not have a large budget, yet despite my inability to afford a much larger piece, Melanie made me feel as if I was the most important client in her Rolodex. Man Alive, I love when that happens, and it takes a very special person to impart that sense of allegiance to another.
And of course, once we finally selected a particular work, it took me forever to figure out which method of payment I would use and still, Melanie did not flinch. And, after my interminable bank account gymnastics allowed me to finally complete the purchase, the team did not hesitate to send someone to the post office with the parcel to ensure that it would reach Montreal on time. WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW!
Thank you, Melanie, and Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, for making the impossible happen. I recognize that I was very high maintenance and that without your commitment to accommodating all of needs, I would not have been able to surprise members of my family with a piece of art that they will treasure for a long time. Rest up, you will need all of your energy again as I will certainly be calling on you again at the same time next year!
Ron Rouben