Palya Proper Fine Art shuts Todd Mall store in Alice Springs, shifts to online only

The Red Centre capital is losing another retailer, which is shutting its brick and mortar store to make the shift online. The owner says it’s a bittersweet feeling in light of a gut-wrenching family tragedy in 2021.

Palya Proper Fine Arts on Todd Mall, Alice Springs is having a closing down sale during their last few days of trading. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Alice Springs is set to lose another icon on Todd Mall, with an art gallery shutting its doors after more than 15 years of operation on Alice Springs’ main street.

At the end of October, Palya Proper Fine Arts will shut its brick and mortar store and transition to an online-only business.

Managing director Amy Ariston said factors such as Covid-19, dwindling tourism numbers, and a desire to relocate for the “next family adventure” were the reasons for her decision.

She said Palya Fine Arts started in 2006 as a wholesale business, with the Todd Mall store opening three years later.

Amy Ariston, with her late husband Steve, from Palya Fine Arts, Alice Springs. Pictures: Supplied

“After a lifetime of building strong familial relationships with artists, in 2009 we took the plunge and opened Palya Proper Fine Arts Gallery in Alice Springs,” she said.

She said despite the business taking a tough hit during Covid-19, the hardest loss of all came when her husband, business partner, and father to her children Stephen Ariston died in 2021.

“On the 20th day of January 2021, the artworks looked different, and through my eyes would never be the same again,” Ms Ariston said.

“Our lives and world as we knew it, were tipped upside down.

Palya Fine Arts on Todd Mall, Alice Springs is having a closing down sale during their last few days of trading at the Todd Mall. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“The memories and moments we have been gifted through our time at Palya Proper Fine Art cannot be bought by any amount of money.

“As I move forward in this life I will always be grateful for this legacy and all those who have played a part.”