Hometown Darling, TART, is BACK (With a Vengeance!)

Posted on by AW

tart-boutique Image Courtesy of Tart

When the doors of Tart closed in the Emerson last Spring, a collective gasp could be heard throughout the Gallatin Valley. Since 2007 Tart was our go-to place for fun, quirky handmade in Montana gifts. When the doors closed it left a huge hole in our local world of retail therapy and more importantly, our hearts. Its proprietor, Anna Visscher, was a familiar face and our tour guide for the tartist landscape of Montana.

The passing of the torch. Anna Visscher, former owner of Tart and Serena Rundberg, Tart's new proprietor. Image Courtesy Tart.
Passing the torch. Anna Visscher, former owner of Tart and Serena Rundberg, Tart’s new proprietor. Image Courtesy Tart.

But, after 9 years of business Anna was ready to take a break from retail life. Enter Serena Rundberg, proprietor of Nova and Feed Cafes. Thanks to Tart, Serena and Anna had a great working relationship. Not only did Anna run Tart, for many years she also curated the gallery space at Nova adorning their walls with original art from artists represented at her shop. Based on what happened in the months following Tart’s closure, it’s safe to say, Serena gasped the loudest when Tart closed.

The hallmark of Tart's offerings: handmade gifts made in the United States. Images by Cathy Copp
The hallmark of Tart’s offerings: handmade gifts made in the United States. Images by Cathy Copp

Serena was busy operating her latest culinary venture, Feed Cafe, when her light-bulb moment came to her. Rundberg was wandering the aisles of Costco, searching for her next bulk bargain and talking to her general contractor when the moment came to her. Her contractor mentioned his wife was lost since Tart closed. The shop had long been her go-to place to buy gifts for friends and family and there was a huge void left with its closing. That’s when it hit her, there was some vacant space next to Feed which, for a variety of reasons, couldn’t be converted to extra seating for the restaurant, why not relocate Bozeman’s beloved boutique to this space?

Restaurateur, Serena Rundberg. She is venturing in to the world of retail with Tart. Image by Greener Visuals
Restaurateur, Serena Rundberg. She is venturing in to the world of retail with Tart. Image by Greener Visuals

Serena has a reputation for being a dynamo, so it didn’t take long for her plan to re-open Tart to come together. She immediately reached out to Anna, negotiated the purchase of Tart, and her ambitious plan to open by Black Friday 2016 was realized.

For long time Tart loyalists, the new space will feel familiar. It is light and bright with touches of yellow and the iconic button closure gift boxes are stacked neatly behind the counter. The store continues to carry exclusively handmade art and gifties with at least a dozen carry over Tartists, but they’ve made a commitment to cast a wider net and are now working with artists from around the United States to bring Bozeman unique, one-of-a-kind finds.

Left: Tart isn't Tart without their signature button closure gift box. Right: A bird's eye view of fused glass plates made by Serena's business partner's mother.
Left: Tart isn’t Tart without their signature button closure gift box. Right: A bird’s eye view of fused glass plates made by Serena’s business partner’s mother.

You may have noticed this post has nothing to do with furniture or a maker that we work with. It has everything to do with why we love our community — because it supports local talent and handmade goodness and holds on to businesses that are worth keeping around. In this age of encroaching box stores, Architect’s Wife couldn’t be happier to see this darling of Bozeman back in business. If you haven’t visited the new space, get yourself over there! Better yet, stop by Feed for breakfast and browse Tart’s offerings while you’re waiting for your grub.

The new Tart is located in the old Kirk Homestead (the red barn on Main Street).
The new Tart is located in the old Kirk Homestead (the red barn on Main Street).

Wait. You didn’t think I forgot about the scoop I teased you with on Le Social Media, did you? Never. You heard it here first folks: Nova and Feed will be joined by a sister restaurant which will take up residence in The Cannery district! Stay tuned folks, more deets to come!