Faces of Hall County: Malia Bolt

Interview by Abernathy Cochran Group intern Amelia Payne 
Meet Malia Bolt! Malia is the owner of the Purple House Gallery in Gainesville. Malia has always been involved in the arts since middle school and has gone through many advanced programs. When she is not framing she loves to relax on her farm and enjoys spending her time cooking as well as spend time with her family.
We want to thank Malia for taking time with us recently and telling us more about her life and love of Hall County.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “I grew up in the arts. I was a part of talented arts programs and center for media arts, programs that you had to get accepted into. I went to the School of Visual Arts in New York City. The framing side of it always leaned more towards the way I think. I bought The Purple House Gallery & Framing in 2001 but it was founded in 1993; so we just had our 25th anniversary.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County and what do you love there?
A: “My kitchen. There is nothing I love more than a home cooked meal.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I have been here since 2000. I’m from Miami and lived in New York for about 10 years. When I would travel back and forth I would come through Gainesville. Once the Olympics came here I really saw the potential for the town. So when I left new York I decided this is where I wanted to live.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Hall County?
A: “I have been here for two decades so it is almost impossible to pick just one person. “
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “I would have to say Greece. It is in our future travel plans so I am really excited.”
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: “The first movie I remember seeing was ‘Star Wars’ with my parents.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “It would have to be the community. The feeling I get in town or seeing people I know, I really feel welcomed and a part of a community. People make you feel interested in what you are doing. Growing up in a big city I didn’t really get that same feeling.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “The first thing that comes to mind is with the Purple House. I am really excited to where it goes and get to continue to do what I love to do.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “It depends on how you know me. Some people are surprised that I live on a farm. Other people are surprised that I grew up in a big city.”
Q: What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “My favorite place.”