Since 2009, Linda Tribuna has been sharing the work of countless New Jersey artists at her store, TMC Boutique. In fact, it is at this New Providence shop where she enthusiastically acts as part store-owner and part publicist. Tribuna’s goal is to make TMC Boutique the nexus point for both emerging artists and those yet to establish themselves. Best of NJ spoke to Tribuna to learn more about her unique story.
Tribuna is a self-taught artist with firsthand experience understanding the “starving artist” lifestyle. She works with oils, acrylics and pencils as well as crafts. She also hand paints flower pots, however, her pencil drawings are her most popular art; this is because she creates pencil drawings using only one pencil.
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Starting TMC Boutique
After living the struggles many artists must endure, she had an idea; to establish her own store where she could support local artists and bring something new to the local community.
Since opening her first location in September 2009, Tribuna has found great success. She came to New Providence in 2016, where TMC Boutique serves as a hub for local artists and art lovers. In addition, the new location occupies a space that is three times larger than her previous store. With all that space, she is able to showcase over 40 local and 20 United States and Fair Trade artists. All of this allows Tribuna to both educate the community and share her own love of NJ art and artists.
“TMC Boutique is always changing in inventory,” Tribuna says. “We ask the artists that we represent to bring in new items for each season as well as a general change over every three months and since most of our inventory is one-of-a-kind, merchandise does change quite frequently.”
The store’s inventory consists of everything from unique and high-quality handmade jewelry to drawings, paintings, pottery and more. Tribuna often discovers the large array of artists she represents through a personal introduction or her own research. Additionally, she often meets new artists at the NY Now Market, usually in the handmade section.
“The artists I represent are a great group of people,” said Tribuna. “Down to Earth and passionate about their work.”
Finding a New Home in New Providence
Much to Tribuna’s delight, customers embrace TMC Boutique just as the shop embraces the surrounding community. Tribuna hosts a number of events introducing artists to the nearby residents. From “Meet the Artist” days and “Ladies’ Day” to Small Business Saturday, she connects and inspires artists and art patrons; not to mention the work she does on fundraisers for local groups and churches.
To learn more about TMC Boutique, visit the store online or call 908-473-0982. If you’re in the area, you can stop by in-person at 1259 Springfield Avenue, New Providence, 07974.
All Photos: © Linda Tribuna / TMC Boutique
