Third Thursdays at Art & Soul

Join us the third Thursday of every month!

Our very first Third Thursday featured the work of three of our employees, Anthony, Madison, and Marie! Three very different styles came together for a really successful evening complete with hors d'oeuvres  and wine.  

For the next month we decided to switch it up a bit. Low Horse and Daniel Christian performed some tunes to a feast of Soul Puppies and Art Burn, Chef Kris's famous chili dogs. (Pansy chili available for those with less bold tastes.)

Attend the most important Third Thursday yet! The Slattery family has put together an art/music show for a great cause! Kathryn, daughter of owners Jim and Marilyn Slattery, is a 17 year old senior at Pius X High School. She is currently awaiting a dual heart and liver transplant at UNMC in Omaha. During this Third Thursday event, 10% of all sales go to Donate Life (www.donatelifenebraska.com) in honor of her.

 Read Kathryn's story here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathrynslattery1

Hope to see you all January 19th, 6-9 pm. Come support an amazing family and the most inspiring girl I've ever met!

Introducing Our New Baker!

After our normal, exuberant morning greeting, Madison told me the best news ever. 

"So I have this friend..."

...Yes?

"And she loooovvves to bake! And I think it would be a great idea if she worked for us. And like, did all of our baking. She's a really, really sweet girl and she makes amazing treats! I lived with her for awhile. It was so great. I didn't have to go shopping for like 2 months. If I was hungry, I'd just eat baked goods!" she explained with a smile.

Needless to say, my ears were perked after the first sentence. 

"You mean we're going to hire someone just to curb my maddening hunger for sweets?" 

Good ol' Madison. Always telling me what I needed to hear. 

Anyway...meet Hannah. And it's true. She is great.

{Pumpkin Whoopie Pies! Little Debbie should never show her face again.}

{Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins and Coconut Macroons.}

{Add a little chocolate?}

{Vanilla Chai Tea Cupcakes. Mmmm.}

{Shortcake cupcakes with fresh strawberry whipped frosting.}

{This is my brain on treats...}

Ready for this??

She's come along way in three years and has done a lot in between! Birthdays and special occasions has kept her busy with baking for the past two. Needless to say she's been a hit at lunch. 

"It's the simple joy of doing something for someone else."

Upbeat and absolutely wonderful, she asked that I keep her a secret. "The lady in the apron, if you may..." 

But I couldn't help it...

 {Hannah!}

~Art&Soul~

Featuring Rachel Houfek (Jeweler)

Organic and Natural.  

Two words to describe my jewelry.  Each piece is carefully thought out and one of a kind. I love being able to look at a piece of jewelry and see its own unique beauty.  Being from an artistic family with a dad as a pottery teacher, it was only natural that I find my own distinctive talent.  I've been making jewelry for seven years and have been metal working for three.  Now, announcing the arrival of my jewelry here at Art & Soul!

Sterling Silver and Rainbow Moonstone Necklace:

Moonstone is believed to balance out one’s yin and yang and give a calming spirit.  Being a not so calm person, I made this necklace asymmetrical, unbalanced, and beautiful.  Moonstone owes its name to the striking play of light on its surface, a gorgeous blue, when the stone is moved.  And for all you Florida natives, this necklace is for you!  Moonstone was named the Florida gemstone in 1970 after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon after lift off from Florida.  However, Moonstone is not found in Florida, or on the moon for that matter.

Sterling Silver and Pyrite Necklace:

Gold! Gold!  Fool’s gold that is.  Pyrite, fools’ gold’s technical name, can be found in the rivers of Colorado, the mines in Arizona, and every other continent except Antarctica.  To brush you up on your Native American history, pyrite was often carved and polished so bright, it was used as a mirror.  I hand textured and prong set a big ole’ chunk of pyrite and strung it with pyrite chunks with fine silver tubes and beads.

Coral, Freshwater Pearl, and Shell Pendant Necklace:

Green coral? Yes, green coral!  Dyed from its naturally light pink or peachy color, these green coral beads are combined with their fellow water friends: freshwater pearls and shell.  With accents of Swarovski crystal and sterling silver, this nautical necklace will certainly stand out.  Freshwater pearls come from freshwater mussels and unlike saltwater pearls, have a-not-so round shape.  But we’re all a little irregular and abnormal right?!

Even-Count Peyote Bracelet:

Seafoam green and flat out mean!  After the three hours of repetitive stitching this bracelet took, I hate it.  Nah, how could you hate it? It’s so simple and cute!  And surprisingly, this shade of green is very neutral and goes with just about anything.   

Amethyst Necklace:

Calling all February babies!  Did you have a little too much to drink on your birthday?  Well, you should’ve been wearing this necklace!  Ancient Greeks and Romans believed wearing amethyst could prevent drunkenness.  And now the gemstone is featured in the British Crown Jewels.  This necklace features lavender freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and Dog Teeth amethyst.  Don’t worry, no dogs were harmed in the formation of this stone; it’s only calcite.

Jade and Freshwater Pearl Necklace:

Did you know jade can also can be naturally pink?  Well, not in this necklace, but it can be!  A strand of bronze colored freshwater pearls accompanies carved jade barrels into a double strand necklace.  Jade is the Wyoming state gemstone, but hey, the Huskers just beat Wyoming!  So let’s ignore that little fact.  Or flaunt it.  Jade has been treasured in China for thousands of years and is often found in the tombs of past emperors.   

Other various pieces of jewelry that couldn't be spoken of in clever and witty manner:

Green and Purple Bead Crochet Bracelet:

Copper Folded Metal Cross Necklace:

Sterling Silver and Amber Fishhhhh Necklace:

Husker Power!

With another Husker win under our belts, we felt it appropriate to show our big red spirit!

At Art & Soul there are tons of ways to show your Husker pride whether it be from tailgating gear, jewelry, kitchen and art supplies, or the know-how to make those tasty game-day treats!

October 6th is our next Game Day Gourmet class where you'll learn how to make amazing wings, baked potato nachos, mini burgers, and more! Register online or in the store soon, classes fill quickly!

{Check out our Cali bowls (top left). These are necessary to prevent that post-drink spillage that is bound to occur. And they really work! Have you ever heard of Montana Gold spray paints? They are perfect for crafts to signage. Laurie uses them on her ever popular door hangs. Get 'em out the door, and on your door, before they are no more!}

{Elisa and Momma Marilyn spent the afternoon making an edible memorial stadium! This cake would be a hit at any tailgate. Thanks to Anthony for honoring the ongoing stadium construction.}

{Make your Husker parties at home a hit as well! We will frame your tickets, posters, jerseys, etc! Our awesome framing staff will add that extra creative touch!}

{We'd love to see you in the store on game day! Stop in for our drink specials. Our Goose Island beers are always a hit. Enjoy them here, or take them to your favorite tailgate! We sell on and off-sale.}

Keep an eye out for more specials and promotions, you never know what we've got up our sleeve! 

Also a big congrats to Sally Ruff, winner of last week's ticket give-away.

We hope you had a great time!

~Art&Soul~ 

GO BIG RED!

What Up Bitches??

Check out these unruly critters that are gracing the shelves with their hoodlum ways!

Featured here are Peculiar Pet's "Problem Pets." Despite their carefree demeanor, these gals are eco-friendly! The pets are manufactured from repurposed vintage bedspreads and filled with fiber that is 80% recycled plastic water bottles...

Green and mean.

{The whole crew, rippin' their grits.}

{Lock up your liquor cabinets upon takin' these puppies home.} 

{You shouldn't give a damn...they're machine washable.}

{It goes beyond Art & Soul...these critters be raisin' a ruckus 'round the block. In yo' own hood!}

{Someone get a handle on 'em! Before it's too late...}

Annnnnnnd, that being said, this batch is already sold! However, more are on the way for a great gift, for  your favorite bitch.

-Art&Soul-

Grand Opening Extravaganza!

The dishes are washed. 

The floor is swept.

The art is hung.

The employees have slept.

The pottery studio is...clean?

Regardless! We've had more than enough time to recover from our AWESOME grand opening! Thank you to everyone who stopped in to make it such a success. Also congrats to all of our winners!

Make sure to check back often and stay in touch with everything going on at Art & Soul, come be a part of  this amazing place!

{Wine and beer tasting, along with some delicious food!}

{I'd say we snazzed up the place pretty well!}

{The sidewalk chalk contest was a great success! Remember to come get your t-shirt if you entered!}

{There were tons of fun activities all day including live music, glass blowing, and art demos! Even KFRX came!}

{So come hang out at Art & Soul, where we're all super serious...}

~Art&Soul~

Sushi!

With our grand opening creeping up over the horizon, the entire Art & Soul staff has been very hard at work. That doesn't mean that there isn't time to take a break for some delicious sushi! Chef Aaron teaches a class titled "Get off your tooshie and make some sushi!" This teaches students basic techniques of how to prepare and roll your own tasty, healthy meal.

{Start with some fresh vegetables...}

{Some sticky rice, (before Kathryn devours all of it)...}

Annnnnnnnnd!

{Voila! A delicious sushi delight!} 

{Vegetarian sushi was the pick of the day, but he will teach you all the tricks of the trade!}

Aaron's next sushi class is tomorrow, but there will surely be more in August!

Keep your eyes and ears open, for it may also be available outside of his class. We've served it for lunch and may also put some out at our happy hour on Thursday evening! Come get it before we all gobble it up, Anthony is always creeping around the corner...

-Art & Soul-