Art & Gift shops, renovated – moved – new (October Business Month)
~~~~October is Lyons Recorder’s Intro to Your Town’s Businesses Month~~~~
Solhawk (new)
Owner Kris Davidson and Catiflor consider themselves more than a place to display art. Kris said, “We are creators creating, supporting other creators creating.” The current exhibit (as well as his art which is displayed in the open office area) is abstract, and often geometrical or sacred art. Kris also does tattoo work; and, there are no walk in’s, all through word of mouth, and he is booked a year out. They consider the place an (1.) art gallery (2.) private tattoo studio and (3.) event space. They had a Tea Ceremony on a Sunday in October, which integrated several modalities. And, on Thursdays at 9 a.m., they have an hour meditation of “inward exploration utilizing the subtle yet powerful practice of mindfulness meditation.” Since they opened (in the old 19th century bank building), they have had a couple of art openings. They have plans to expand to having a seasonal artisan market, and to use the venue for community gatherings and workshops “that inspire depth and belonging.” He explains, “There will be weekly classes within our membership program and monthly workshops, and events open to the public.” ~~ Location: 401 Main Street. In September, it was open Saturday and Sundays, from 1 to 4 p.m., and then by appointment.
Red Canyon Art (moved)
Connie McGuire moved her art and gift shop just a few spots down the street from her former location. The big windows and wood paneled walls create a warm welcoming space. The clothing displays, along with hats, first catch your eye as you walk in, made with sustainable organic upscale fabrics. Here and there are little items, like singing bowls or Maraca bags. But your eyes are drawn to the large displays of framed art along the walls. Local art patrons will immediately recognize the names of local artists, like Ruth Wilson, Veronika Gaia, Fi Rust, Harriet Peck Taylor, and Android Jones. Connie said, “We have such incredibly creative products. I try to carry as much local as I can find. And, especially women-made, free-trade, and hand-made products.” She also carries locally made Endocannabinoids system products, for pain, memory, mood, immunity, and stress. You are invited to come in and browse the art gallery. ~~ 424 Main Street. Open 10 to 5 p.m. daily; except closed on Tuesdays.
Corner Studio (changed focus)
Like many people during the COVID-year, Valerie Combs did some soul searching. She ran the Corner Studios, an art gallery, out of a turn-of-the-century house on Main Street for several years. Initially, she and her husband felt Lyons needed a retail store, and they sold antiques and art. Now she is a single mom, with a young son, and she decided to close the art gallery and concentrate on her original love of custom art framing. Since she has been doing it for 25 years, she already has a good roster of cliental. She doesn’t just take a job, but she insists on getting to know the customer. It is important to her to keep the integrity of the piece, and the art will speak for itself, so it is the person who is the unknown factor. Sometimes she asks them to send her a photograph of their home so she can study their environment, and not just match colors, but match their style. Some initially don’t know what they want. Others now just say “you do it,” and trust her. She keeps limited stock on hand as you often have to buy large supplies, such as types of glass, and styles change over the years. She does museum mounting, and uses premium glass, good quality frames and acid free materials. She often uses recycled wood, including barn wood. She works around their budget. Her own line of frames is new material with an antique finish. ~~~ Location: 318 Main Street. Seen by appointment. (303) 823-5276
Gatherings of a Lifetime (renovated)
The slowdown during the COVID-year, allowed Sally Gibson time to renovate and rearrange her shop. She inherited some great pieces of clothing from Reruns, her neighboring store, when the thrift store closed down. Today she is having folks come in who are looking for items to use in creating a Halloween costume. She also has more books, and is selling loose teas, and some locally made skin care products. Sally is great at “gathering” things into collectible groupings. She has sections of miniatures, of kitchen spice cans, of silver plates, and more. It makes for a fun experience to slowly wander around the store and be delighted at her choice of items and how they are arranged. At this time, she is not taking any consignments or clothing donations. You can call her if you feel you have something that will “just perfectly fit in” with her merchandise line. ~~~ Location: 447 Main Street. Open 9 – 5 p.m. six days a week, closed Sundays; in off season open on weekends.
