The owners of Brushstrokes in Ansley Mall say they want to ensure Atlanta is not skipped over by noted LGBT authors due to the closing of Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse.
Mark Jackson and husband Tom Schloeder, owner of Brushstrokes, said today they have met with the owners of gay bar Mixx to arrange space for author signings.
"Space is a serious consideration and was the main reason we didn't seek author signings in the past. Mixx is the perfect location because it's non-smoking and convenient to the store," Schloeder said today.
"With the unexpected vacuum created by Outwrite's sudden closing, we are concerned that major authors marketing to the LGBTQ consumer might skip the Atlanta market entirely. We are actively seeking authors, publishers, celebrities, and artists, local and national, who need an Atlanta retailer to partner with," Schloeder said.
Open since 1989, Brushstrokes sells several books alongside gifts, video rentals and includes Capulets, an adult novelty shop.
While it was open for the past 18 years, the past 15 at Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street, Outwrite brought in major celebrities and authors, including CNN anchor Don Lemon, Bravo star Tabetha Coffey, and “Wicked” author Gregory Maguire.