Darshan Boutique opens inside Town Square Market

The Southern Business Journal
BY ROB CROW, THE SOUTHERN thesouthern.com | Posted: Sunday, February 13, 2011

CARBONDALE - A front corner of one of Carbondale's most well-known markets is now home to the wearable works of several Carbondale artists.

On Saturday, Darshan Boutique had its grand opening. The boutique is inside Town Square Market, at 106 E. Jackson St. in Car-bondale, and features products that are almost all handmade by local artists.

A group of artists formed a collaborative in downtown Carbondale, and Darshan Boutique now holds the fruits of their labor.

"We've worked together for quite some time, and we all just kind of started making clothes," said Terry Hickey. "It just kind of happened, and we realized that we wanted a store for them."

Seven local artists form the core of the group, and they are now able to share their work inside the market. The boutique offers handmade clothing and accessories such as scarves, earrings, hand bags and hand warmers.

Several items, such as some of the handbags and hand warmers, are made from recycled clothing.

"There's not a good-quality, unique clothing store in Carbondale. You have to go to a big city to find something like designer stuff, or something different," said Andrea LeBeau. "So, if we can't find it, we have to make it."

While discussing the boutique, three of the involved artists started joking about some of the other items they could create and sell - only to realize that's how many of their handmade products actually started.

"You support each other, you inspire each other, and you expand each other's experiences," said Karine Gabrini.

Town Square Market, which focuses on locally grown and sold goods, was more than happy to have the boutique inside its walls, LeBeau said. And the artists are more than happy to be there.

"Right here, this is perfect for us, and this meets our needs," Gabrini said. "In the future, if this grew and we need our own space, sure, that's always a possibility. But right now, we're thrilled to be here, and have a place where we can make a little boutique."

rob.crow@thesouthern.com

618-351-5080

Upcoming Art Events

Photo Exhibit: Insurance Wives, Insurance Guys
When: May 7 – Jul 4, 2010
Where: Longbranch Coffeehouse, 100 E. Jackson, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901
Description: Photo Exhibit: Insurance Wives, Insurance Guys: Dad's Photographs: 1958-1982. Photographs by Frank M. Wendt Jr. Curated and Printed by Gregory F. Wendt.

"Journeys" Exhibit
When: Mon, June 7, 5:30pm – Fri, July 30, 6:30pm
Where: The Gallery Space, Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro, IL 62966
Description: Journeys by Linda Austin, Kathy Belletire, Marilyn Codding Boysen, Renee Mavigliano. Reception: Saturday, June 26, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm.
For more information about the artist contact: MCED Firm at 618 565 8000 or email: hernandez@mcedfirm.com.

Historic Structures & Machinery V
When: Jun 15 – Jul 31, 2010
Where: Tower Square, Marion, IL
Description: Biennial Historic Structures & Machinery V will be presented at the Little Egypt Arts Centre on the Tower Square in Marion IL from June 15 through July 31. This is a juried show and prizes will be awarded.
For further information, contact the art centre at 618 998-8530, mgrafics@midwes t.net or Kris Killman, President at killman@mchsi.com.

5th Annual Tay-Sachs Benefit
When: Sat, June 19, 10am – 8pm
Where: Blue Sky Vineyards, 3150 South Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda, IL 62958
Description: Blue Sky vineyard is hosting the 5th Annual Benefit Concert in honor of Elise Ryne Rochman to raise money for funding the on-going research needed to find treatments and a cure for Tay-Sachs Disease. All proceeds from admission, raffle, auction, food sold outside, and one-third of all wine sales will go to Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation and National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association. There will be a silent auction, raffle, and several bands have agreed to donate their time and talent for this event. $5.00 entrance fee, glass included. Children (15 & under) free.
More info: (618) 995-WINE, http://www.blueskyvineyard.com/

Ste. Genevieve 4th Friday Art Walk
When: Fri, June 25, 6pm – 9pm
WhereSte. Genevieve, MO
Description: Monthly Art Walk Continues in 2010 on the Fourth Fridays. Fourteen art spaces and artist-owned studios, within a 3 x 3 block area of the downtown historic district, are open each month for an Art Walk from 6 - 9 pm on the Fourth Fridays, except during holiday season when they are held on the third Fridays. Most of the art venues serve a refreshment to guests on the Art Walk, as well as offer openings of new exhibits.
More info: http://stegenartwalk.blogspot.com/

Art Around the Square
When: Sat, June 26, 6pm – 10pm
Where: Town Square, Carbondale, Illinois 62901
Description: The Historic Town Square Coalition will host the Annual Art Around the Square event this coming June 26, 2010 Beginning at 6pm, local businesses will host local and regional artists, provide hors d'oeuvres, and open their doors to art-lovers of all ages. Music, photography, print, sculpture and more will fill the Town Square until 10 pm. New this year, a free concert featuring Mel Goot and The Southern Illinois Jazz and Blues Workshop will be open to the public from 7-9 pm across from the Town Square Market. This event has become a well-loved tradition for young professionals and families alike.
For more information, or to get a flyer with participating businesses and artists, contact Sue Mills at 618-924-0797or visit http://www.artaroundthesquare.com.

Pomona Winery Semi-Permanent Exhibit of Tim Francis and Roberta Elliott
When: Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010
Where: 2865 Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona, IL 62975-2317
Description: Two artists on semi permanent display: Wood turnings by Tim Francis and wrought iron work by Roberta Elliott of The Velvet Hammer, Ltd.
More info: http://www.pomonawinery.com/, pomonawinery@hughes.net

Starview Vineyards Permanent Art Exhibit
When: Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010
Where: 5100 Wing Hill Rd. Cobden, IL 62920
Description: The works that are on display are all for purchase and are unique, one of a kind creations that are reflections of the artists' unique perspective. Juhree Veach (http://www.jkvphotos.com), photographer; Janet Althoff, mosaic artist; Thomas Horn, copper and glass sculpture.
More info: http://www.starviewvineyards.com/

October Art Events in the Heartland

HeartlandArts.Net has helped to organize two events coming up this month: Art Around the Square in Carbondale on October 9, and Art Around the Trail kicking of on October 10. Read on for information about those event and more coming up this month, and visit our online calendar whenever you need to check the details.

Art Around the Square Returns to Carbondale October 9

Carbondale Town Square business owners are rolling out the red carpet on Friday, October 9 for this fall's Art Around the Square event. From 5-9pm, 20 participating businesses will host receptions with complementary food and beverages while featuring local artists and musicians.

At the Longbranch Coffeehouse, an opening reception for Eileen Doman's "No Attachment" show is accompanied by a new CD release by the band Swamp Tigers. "Art Around the Square is always a lot of fun, and we love being a part of it," said manager Elaine Ramseyer.

Across the street at Hair Brains, a trio of photographers will show their interpretations of the outdoors, including Paducah Photo '09 exhibitor Dana Tetzlaff. And on the same corner of the square, the Tree House Artist Studio and Big Muddy Community Center will both feature multiple artists.

On the opposite end of the square, glass artist Chad Goodpastor will display his work at the Practice Pad. And just next door, the recently opened handmade apparel and gift store DayShift will be featuring Sarah Shoot, Lacey Pipher and Jan York. The store also carries several other artists' work.

"It's a great opportunity all around," said Kristin Gregory, Executive Director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. "Visitors can see what the Town Square has to offer in a relaxed and fun environment, while businesses and artists can get some additional exposure."

A list of participating businesses and artists is available at www.ArtAroundtheSquare.com. For more information call 618 713 2896. Cost: Free

Art Around the Trail, from October 10, Southern Illinois

As part of the annual Colorfest celebrations, several local wineries will be showing art exhibits of local artists from October 10.

Fiber artist Sarah Shoot, whose work has been chosen for an exhibit at the Illinois Artisans Center in Chicago this month, will exhibit her work locally at Owl Creek Winery. Sarah felt that her work would be a good match for Owl Creek. "I like to work with bird images and plan to create pieces that have owls," she said.

At Inheritance Valley Vineyards, Jo Loomis will hang some of his land and seascape paintings. A retired mechanical engineer, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago in 1946, and helped to start the Little Egypt Arts Association in Marion, Illinois.

Orlandini Vineyard is showing photography by Lucia Amorelli and quilts by Dianne Sember in October. Lucia will be at Orlandini Vineyard between 12-6pm on Sunday, October 4. Rustle Hill Winery's artist of the month is Anne Wasserman, quilter.

Starview Vineyards exhibits Jurhee Veech photography and mosaics by Janet Althoff on an ongoing basis. Roberta Elliot's hand-forged iron work is on display at Pomona Winery. The Colorfest festivities at Blue Sky Vineyard will feature a number of local artisans and musicians.

You can view more photos from last year's event. For more information call 618 713 2896.

Many More October Art Events

Downtown Art and Wine Fair Taste local wines, see regionally made art, and tap your toes to some live music performed by The Black Fortys from 5-7:30pm and Talia Segal (featured on MTV's The Hills) from 8-11pm . The Town Square Market will offer a cheese tasting as well. Local wine will be offered exclusively from wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Entry to the event is $10.00 and includes a wine tasting, as well as the viewing of all artists and live entertainment. Make your dinner reservations now; Thai Taste, The Newell House, Tres Hombres, The Longbranch Coffeehouse, The Global Gourmet, and D's Catfish all offer dinner specials during the event. The event begins at 5 pm and will close at 11 pm. We can't wait to see you downtown! Carbondale Main Street:(618)529-8040

Little Egypt Arts Association is pleased to showcase the talents of Missy Carstens and Ep Morrison during the month of October. Carstens from Marion and Morrison from Goreville will focus on paintings created with a palette knife and brush. Both award-winning artists have exhibited or have pieces throughout the state as well as nationally. A reception for this Impressionist show as well as "Your Best Shot", a photography exhibition currently on display at the Art Centre on the Tower Square in Marion, will be held in conjunction with Marion Main Street's October Hub Fest on Saturday, October 3 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For further information, contact the Art Centre at 998-8530, or Carstens at 997-0421.

573 Chalk Art Festival -A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT with indoor space as a rain backup. October 3, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seasoned and emergent visual artists, as well as participants from local schools. The art contest will showcase the works of diverse artists who will use chalk as their medium, and the pavement of Farmington as their canvas. There is a total of $500 cash and prizes awarded. There is no charge to spectate. Wine and chocolate tasting fee based. Wine, Chalk & Chocolate is a community-wide partnership of organizations and businesses working together to establish an Annual Family Event showcasing the 573. www.insider573.com.

Art Rendezvous Thu, October 1, 9am – Sun, October 11, 7pm, Historic Ste. Genevieve MO. Artists and residents in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri's oldest town (circa 1755), are hosting a plein aire painting event beginning October 1 and continuing through the weekend of October 10 & 11, 2009 as part of the town's Art Rendezvous and Autumn Days celebration. More info: mainstrinn@sbcglobal.net.

Intuitions (art exhibit), Sep 17 – Oct 27, 2009, Ethical Society Gallery, 9001 Clayton Rd., Saint Louis, MO, 63117. A show featuring recent work by Luca Cruzat. A series of collagraphs reflecting on displaced human condition due to modern life, tecnology or conflicts. Cost: Free. M-F 10am-3pm Sun.10am-1pm. www.lucacruzat.com, www.ethicalstl.org.

Gallery show for Becky Millinger Sat, October 10, 3pm – 5pm, 123 South Main Street, Ste. Genevieve, MO. The Bolduc Historic Properties (owned by The National Society of Colonial Dames of the State of Missouri) is pleased to present the art of Ste. Genevieve artist, Becky Millinger. The event is October 10, 2009 from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Beauvais Linden House on South Main St. in Ste. Genevieve. Refreshments will be served. Becky Millinger has created a series of watercolor and gouache paintings featuring the herb cottage, the Bolduc-LeMeilleur House gardens and historic representations of the Louis Bolduc. Millinger's coloring book makes history come alive through her drawings of the period furniture and artifacts included in the museum. A colorful herb chart and reproduction prints and notecards of Millinger's work is available for purchase at the Museum gift shop. More info: 573-883-3105, Cost: Free

Poetry Festival Sun, October 11, 2pm – 5pm, 125 W. Davie St., Anna, IL, 62906. A celebration of poetry at the old Fire Station in Anna Poets throughout the region will gather to read and share their gift of words. Refreshments available at the Coffee Station. Confirmed artists: Jim Lambert, Fog Gilbert, Joanne Blakley Cost: Donation Call to artists: yes More info: 618 697-6286

Vulture Fest Sat, October 17, 11am – Sun, October 18, 6pm, Makanda, IL. Vulture Fest is a celebration of Art and Music and Vultures. There are around 200 vultures (black and turkey) that move into Downtown Makanda, IL. for a couple of months. So, the local artists are celebrating their 10th year of Vulture Fest. There is a Vulture Art Contest, Vulture T-Shirts, more than 30 art vendors, music all day and good food. Attendance is usually around 2000 people. This 10th Anniversary of Vulture Fest there is a silent auction to benefit the fest and "Free Again", a wildlife rescue facility. Beth Shofstall will probably be at the fest with a live vulture, and maybe some other wild bird species. Cost: Free. CALL TO ARTISTS Have not received all of the vendors applications. The fest normally has jewelry, pottery, wood work, blacksmithing, chainsaw wood carver, yard art, photography, fiber, candles, hot sauces... For more information call: 618-697-7929 Janelle makandainn@gmail.com

ART EAST Sat, October 17, 11am – Sun, October 18, 5pm, 903 North Second, Edwardsville, IL. 12th Annual Studio & Exhibits Tour 150 Artist -50 sites throughout Madison County Illinois. Free & Open to the Public. Sat & Sun October 17 & 18, 2009. 11-5 Both days. Website: www.arteasttour.com Event Location: Jill's Weavings @ Eden Church Confirmed artists: Jill Kettler -hand weaver. Call to artists: yes, www.arteasttour.com Cost: free

4th Friday Art Walk Fri, October 23, 6pm – 9pm, Ste. Genevieve, MO. More info: 573-883-3783