Art & Soul, an art supply store in Sebastopol, CA recently moved to a spacious new location complete with ample parking and plenty of floor space. Co-owners Margaret Conner and Sabina Fried closed up shop for a break during relocation and re-opened a few weeks ago for a ribbon-cutting ceremony complete with interactive activities and a sale. The new space is airy and light, with plenty of room for the wide range of supplies they carry.
With the smoke from the disastrous Camp Fire about 150 miles northeast impacting the town, one would expect a spotty turnout; however families and artists of all ages braved the smoke to attend. This kid-friendly event was not only a welcoming distraction from the fires, it also gave the community an excuse to get together and celebrate art.
While the families gravitated to the activities, many individuals attending the event made a beeline for the register; an email digest had been sent out earlier that week highlighting specific items on sale and loyal customers had clearly been waiting for their go-to art supply store to reopen.
The activities included a Try-Table where people could experiment with POSCA markers on a variety of surfaces including rocks, copper plates, Art Alternatives Creative Surfaces (the denim was popular), and even shoes. Kari Foteff of Strathmore helped attendees make mixed media cards using stencils with Liquitex Heavy Body and Marabu Pinata Iridescent Ink.
Learn more about Art & Soul’s move and how their store is growing here.
Top image: Owners Margaret Conner and Sabina Fried (center) cutting the ribbon alongside Members of the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce Lisa Garcia, Mia Del Prete and Paul Butkus!
