Anne El-Habre and Judith Metzger met while they were students at the Savannah College of Art and Design - El-Habre was studying graphic design while Metzger was focusing on an illustration degree. The two became friends and started working together at a downtown art gallery.

Now, the friendship has evolved and the two are now business partners in the newest addition to the city's art scene, Alvida Art Gallery.

They agreed that a Southside location would be the best place to showcase local artists, and they began searching for just the right place. The result is a large gallery on Abercorn Street, with room to feature a variety of artwork, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture.

The pair are excited to offer gallery space to up and coming artists in the community, including students.

"I prefer those who don't have representation, who feel they don't have a venue," El-Habre explained. "We're looking for fresh and original art. I think when people come in, they will realize what this gallery is all about and they will know if their work will fit in or not."

In the first few days of business, the gallery offered ceramics by Yves Paquette, paintings created by the gallery owners, artist Ken Wheeler, and artist Ruth Hunter, who works in an oil and wax media, and jewelry created by artists including Raymond Avalos.

El-Habre and Metzger decided to carry a selection of gift items in addition to artwork, but you won't find run of the mill Savannah souvenirs there.

"We try in every respect to have (gift items) related to art in some way, shape and form," El-Habre said. "They are not just doo-dads, they are specific things we find inspirational and lend themselves to promoting fine art and sculpture."

When gallery visitors inquire about the origin of the name, El-Habre explains with a smile.

"We wanted to find a name that was representative of us, as women, going on our own. We found some history about the first documented woman pirate, and she was a Viking. Her name was Alvida."

Taking into consideration Metzger's Norwegian heritage, it just seemed right for the pair to adopt the name of the adventurous woman.

They even scheduled their grand opening reception for May 17, which just happens to be Norwegian Constitution Day.