2 Friends Gallery owner cautiously optimistic about the economy

Last summer, Jacqui Ertischek wrestled with whether or not she should close her art gallery in midtown. But when the FlyPaper! gift shop next door folded, she decided to take a leap of faith and expand into the empty storefront.
“We all have our craziness,” Ertischek said with a laugh. “Talking to the mannequins is one of mine.”
Ertischek acknowledged that it’s not an especially good time to expand a business in Alaska, especially for art galleries like 2 Friends, w