A big name in town, is getting even bigger.
Cliff J. Hare and Cliff L. Hare, grandson and great-grandson of Cliff Hare, respectively, descendants of an Auburn icon, became the owners of AuburnArt June 1.
AuburnArt is downtown shop and is the lead provider of Auburn memorabilia and artwork.
"As a family, we have always kind of wanted to own some sort of retail in Auburn because our roots go pretty deep in Auburn, since about 1892," J. Hare said.
J. Hare said it was fate that they were able to buy the store.
L. Hare graduated from Auburn in 2002 with a degree in industrial design and went on to get a degree in photography from The Art Institute of Colorado.
He said he thought about moving to New York City, L.A. or Atlanta, but he really wanted to come back to Auburn.
His father said the family called the previous owners of AuburnArt, Frank and Inrid Brown, and asked if they had an interest in selling their business.
J. Hare said the Brown's responded, "Well, actually we are."
While the store is co-owned by the father and son, the son uses his artistic ability, and the father focuses on the financial side of the business.
"I am not an artist," J. Hare said. "I am a business guy."
J. Hare graduated from Auburn in 1977 and worked in the energy business for years with many large corporations, but this is the first time the family has owned a retail business.
L. Hare said they have received great advice from lots of people about owning a small business in Auburn.
He said the previous owners have been there to help coach and advise them as they begin this new journey as owners of AuburnArt.
While they have no initial changes planned for the store, they said they would eventually like to incorporate their own style.
"Over time, we want to get our signature, if you will, in the store," J. Hare said.
Most of the art sold in the store is made by local artists.
Hare said he was surprised to find out so many of the artists whose work is displayed in AuburnArt are local.
He said even some students come in and bring their artwork.
"It is a way to give back to students and say 'we want you to be involved in our store'," J. Hare said.
Another way for students to utilize the store is by using the custom-framed diploma service.
Custom-framed diplomas are the most popular selling items at AuburnArt.
"It is the only place in town where you can get custom-framed diplomas," J Hare said.
Students who aren't graduating can find other customized items at AuburnArt.
While most of the jewelry sold at AuburnArt isn't made by local artists, it is custom made for the store.
Hare said AuburnArt is set apart from other stores in the downtown area.
The store is not a threat to local book stores, but is a complement to them, Hare said.
"We don't sell books, and we aren't a big T-shirt store," J. Hare said.
It's important to understand our heritage because it is a large piece of the foundation of Auburn," L. Hare said. "Just as my great-grandfather built a legacy in Auburn, I too hope to build AuburnArt into a legacy that all Auburn fans can enjoy as part of their Auburn experience."
Cliff Hare began the family's legacy when he enrolled as an Auburn student in 1888.
He was a member of Auburn's first football team in 1892 and was involved on Auburn's campus.
He became the dean of the School of Pharmacy and Chemistry.
Hare was also the first president of the Southern Athletic Conference, which became the Southeastern Conference.
Cliff Hare stadium was dedicated to him in 1949 and changed to Jordan-Hare in 1975.
"I hope my creative eye and my experience in the art world will show in the art that is sold to our customers," L. Hare said. "I hope to offer something that is unique and new. I believe Auburn fans to be truly unrivaled and special, so they deserve to have art that equals who they are, where they come from and what they believe in. That's what we strive for at AuburnArt."
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