Aaron Hinds' initial plan with the space was to also ultimately build a tea room on the top floor, just as there was once before.

When Aaron Hinds first set his sights on the empty space on 117 South Broadway in downtown Tyler in 2022, his vision was almost immediate.

“A buddy and I were walking from eating at Rick’s (On The Square) and I walked by this place, and saw this flickering light inside. I pressed my face against the glass, looked around and said ‘this is it!’,” Hinds said in a previous story about the gallery opening.

Since it opened, the Hinds Art Gallery and Event Space has been home to many local displays of art — from Jeanne Hartford’s photography show to art pieces by Andrea Stein, Ingrid Horner, Doug Carter and more.

Now, it is being closed for other investments and opportunities, the building owner said.

“We were really happy to work with Aaron and not only activate a space that has been empty for a long time but give him space to showcase art in Tyler,” said Cullan Maumus, managing director of NORF.

Once the home of Tyler Square Antiques & Tea Room, the 25,000-square foot building is one of many owned by NORF Companies, a New Orleans-based tax-advantaged real estate company.

“Every time the owners came into the building, they were extremely pleased with the work I had put in. They talked about how great the place looked,” Hinds said.

More than a year later, Hinds made tremendous strides in uncovering the hidden gem to almost former glory, from cleaning the lobby to the top floor to building a music venue in the basement. However, on his quest to create a hub of talent and culture, the music venue was not met with praise from the owners.

“I did not have permission (to build the venue),” Hinds said. “I have done it one or two times before, and it’s worked out really well. You build something awesome and the owners love it but… this time, they did not love it.”

Maumus confirmed the venue on the third floor was not authorized.

“I take full responsibility for creating this situation and I’m sorry if it’s caused everyone angst and… uneasy feelings,” Hinds said. “But I think… subconsciously, I just wanted to show Tyler that this is possible.”

As a lease contract expired, NORF felt it was time to move on to new opportunities for the space.

As disheartened as Hinds was by the news of having to close down his gallery, he said he holds no ill will toward NORF.

“NORF has been great and ultimately, they’re going to be very good for this town,” Hinds said. “They worked with me and they did allow me to actually create a name for myself in my hometown and I’ll be eternally grateful to them.”

The gallery’s last day is March 8.

“Anytime we can help support the art culture in Tyler is great,” Maumus said. “We want to help the art community grow and flourish. We hope he continues his mission with the art movement.”

Although he was offered other properties with NORF, Hinds wants to explore other opportunities for an art gallery and event space.

“Tyler can be this amazing hub for creative artists,” he said. “I would love to find a place that not only speaks to those creative people but can also be an event space that can really thrive in downtown Tyler.”

One of Hinds’ collaborators, Diane Reis — a leader in two arts organizations and a business owner herself — is sad to see it close.

“Aaron didn’t just open a business with the art gallery,” she said. “He created a space of community, a place for artists and the public to come together. He took something that was forgotten — that old worn out Sears building that sat empty for many years — and brought a dream to life.”

Reis is the president of the Palette of Roses Art League and board secretary for the Tyler Arts and Culture Collective. On the days she worked in the gallery, she met many patrons who she said were not only drawn to Hinds’ art but by the gallery itself.

“I spoke with many who had never even walked into an art gallery,” she said. “This gallery collided with their preconceived notions that in the past had kept them out of galleries. Now they took the time with purpose, many returning often to have more conversations about the art and see what was new.”

As a professional event planner, Reis often met with Hinds to discuss opportunities to create an event space and reopen the tea room however, financial challenges made it difficult.

“What we had hoped for is not possible at this time,” Reis said. “We hold out that someday in the future the gallery will find a space to open again.”

Hinds hosted guest shows, highlighting local artists to showcase their work and share the gallery walls. He also opened the doors for the community to experience art and created a space for worship, as well as gathering musicians, amateur filmmakers and photographers.

“The gallery became a space for creatives to brainstorm and collaborate on ideas. It was a place of inspiration and innovation,” she said. “It also has served as a springboard for Aaron to communicate his art beyond Tyler. The gallery was a gift, and Aaron, through the NORF Company’s support, was the giver that touched the hearts of many. Tyler got a taste of what could be.”