In the past few days, I have had two friends tell me that I am a person who likes to bring people together. I say, “True Dat.”
Around the Royal Oak Michigan area, there are two new local businesses that are still in the budding and blooming process. I visited both of them in the past few weeks and each one got me all riled up and excited. Numero Uno, they are both based on the foundation of creating and sharing beauty and art with the community. For the most part, art does not usually bring in a lot of revenue, but many a true artist does not find this to be a top priority. I believe that many artists, including the ones with these budding art spaces, create their work to share their soul and to bring joy and excitement to others. Those both of these artists do not know each other as of yet, I am writing about both of them in the same blog because I think that we all share the same spirit in many ways.
Store: Posey
Location: Royal Oak, MI
1600 Rochester Rd.
Hours of operation are Monday – Friday Noon-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Artist and Owner: Holly Laginess
I visited Posey several weeks ago and immediately felt like I was in a very welcoming place. The store is full of colors. Art hangs from the ceiling and covers almost every inch of the walls. Holly, the owner, was with a customer when I first walked in and I was able to wander around and handle a numerous amount of the merchandise without her noticing. Some of the items that fascinated me the most were wallets, purses, and belts made out of bicycle inner tubes and magnets proclaiming some rude, but inspiring, quotes.
I was pondering the meaning of one quotes, that has now left my mind, when Holly came up to me and asked me if I needed any help. This conversation continued until we were talking like old friends. “I probably know your aunt who you say comes in here all the time. I usually remember what my customers buy as well,” said Holly. Holly then described my mom and my sister to me. They had been there several days before and had bought a pet charm with the words, “Baby Girl” written on it. Wow, I thought, there had better not be any shop lifters in here. Holly would probably be able to give an exact description of what the perpetrator looked like to the forensic sketch artist. Shoppers were not the only people she likes to observe. On slow days, Holly likes to sit on the curb outside of her store and watch the people passing by, There is one man who walks his three little white dogs. At first, he was not very friendly, but after Holly’s friendly greetings everyday, he is starting to soften up and wave to her as well.
After getting to know Holly better, I found out about her love for audio books. Like me, she enjoys listening to a good book while working on her art. Holly mostly enjoys non-fiction and some of her favorite authors are David Sedaris and Gabriella Hamilton. I even picked up a David Sedaris audio book after her recommendation.
I bought a belt made with inner tubes from Posey, but I think that the meeting of the shop owner was more valuable.
Place #2
Business: Articipate
Location: Berkley Michigan
3833 12 Mile Road
Website: articipate.us
Owner: Deb Kobayashi
I found out about Articipate because I drive down 12 Mile quite often for my Hallmark job. What is this place with this clever name?, I thought. I decided to stalk the place. First, I did a little web research on it and found out that there are a variety of classes held here from water color to paper-mache. There is also a phenomenon called Girls’ Night Out where girlfriends can come, paint, and drink wine. So cool, and for a reasonable price.
One Friday afternoon, I finally was able to make a visit into the store. This also happened to be the day that I decided to wear my hot pink skirt with the jingling bells. I was so full of enthusiasm for this studio, that I burst through the door.
“Tell me all about this place!” I said.
Deb greeted me warmly and did not seem taken aback by my abrupt entrance. I found out that she is using her inheritance money from the deaths of her parents to pay for the building. This art space is her dream. She also told me about a new class they are offering called Zentangle. It is a relaxing form of drawing. “Sign me up for that,” I said.
On the day of the class, I was greeted with this sign.
The Zentangle class only had three students, but all of us were excited. The technique was very fun and I ended up using it in a painting I worked on this weekend. You aren’t going to see any pictures yet though because it is a present that has not been given yet.
To Conclude, There are so many awesome places to see and play at in the local area. Don’t be a stranger.
Uncivilized Allowed 