Location: 510 8th Avenue North, Downtown Myrtle Beach

The Space: The Venue occupies over 2,000 sq. ft. of sales floor space in one of Myrtle Beach's last remaining historic buildings. The space is an unusual mix of old-world elegance and forward thinking design, blending large chandeliers and antique furniture with avant-garde fashions and eclectic home decor.

The Founder: Barbara Patrick opened The Venue in 1985. Barbara grew up in North Carolina and graduated from Converse College. She spent a year studying studio art and art history at Richmond College in London, England. She also attended Fourah Bay University in Sierra Leone, West Africa and was selected to curate a permanent cultural exhibit for the London Commonwealth Institute. Barbara's sharp eye continues to scan for items that can enrich the lives of the creative consumer, never swaying from her belief that a true individual is born of the synergy of art, fashion, and culture.

The Mix: The Venue is a mix of fashion, art, and lifestyle. Fashions include Betsey Johnson, D&G, Anna Sui, Vivienne Tam, Nicole Miller, Diesel, Vivienne Westwood, Lip Service and Triple Five Soul just to name a few. Shoes by Irregular Choice, Diesel, D&G, Dollhouse and Tyler by Richar Tyler plus jewelry from the innovative Noir of New York to one of a kind custom pieces and watches by Diesel and Vestal make any outfit complete. The gallery area features Folk Art, Cultural artifacts and contemporary modern design; from traditional bronze Buddha statues to a plate signed by the infamous Jeff Koons.

The Concept: We find the whole mall-driven, cookie cutter, decorate-by-numbers philosophy so unimaginative, don't you? That is why our store is filled with unique selections that express the individual soul. The Venue is like an oasis for the artistic shopper. Our customers say it is more than a boutique; it is a destination.