Experience Shangri-La in downtown Ithaca

ITHACA -- Located at 156 E State St., on The Commons, Shangri-La Gifts is the most recent addition to the family of shops, restaurants and galleries. Shangri-La Gifts is much more than a gift shop, with offerings of fine art, artisans craft work, silk apparel, fashion accessories, gourmet coffee and teas, chocolates, and their own collection of academic and popular publications.

Originally from the Owego area, Sheldon Gosline has traveled the world through his studies and teachings in Egyptology. Based in China for many years, Sheldon taught many classes and formed his own publication company, Shangri-La Publications six years ago. He moved back to the United States three years ago and continued with his publishing of mostly material from academic monographs, consisting of doctoral dissertations that are slightly reworked to be more readable. Sheldon has since added silk fabric importing that allows him and his fashion design staff to offer unique scarves, shawls and commissioned party fashion and distinctive wedding attire.

Shangri-La Gifts began its life in Downtown by participating in Gallery Night in early December. Their first exhibit was a collection of Chinese Children's art from students ranging in age from 6 to 14 years. All items in the exhibit have been part of a silent auction, with proceeds going to benefit the Changchen Youth Group in China. A second art show will begin in January. In the future many social events are planned with poetry readings, small concerts, and shifting art exhibits, all the while remaining true to Shangri-La's theme of blending textiles, gifts and refreshment with art.

Store hours are every day, noon to 9 p.m. except for Christmas and New Year's Day.

Originally published Wednesday, December 24, 2003 The Ithaca Journal. Click HERE to return to Shangri-La press reports.