An Empty Shopping Space Is Transformed Into ArtSpace

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We all have probably heard by now that Crestwood Mall Court ain't what she used to be. Many stores have closed up shop and now empty windows and doorways line the once busy halls. The empty mall was the perfect spot for a certain movie's extras auditions, and now it is becoming the perfect spot for actors, painters and crafty folks of all calibers to set up shop and sell their goods.

The wing in Crestwood Court that used to house Dillard's, and still is home to my favorite guilty pleasure/Mexican restaurant, is now home to ArtSpace, a collective of artist stores sponsored by the Regional Arts Commission. One of the first shops to take up residence in ArtSpace, ShowMe Handmade, opened only a few weeks ago to start selling handcrafted soaps, clothing and other one-of-a-kind artist goods. ShowMe Handmade is joined in ArtSpace by theater groups, a "green" teacher's craft supply store, photographers and even a space that will be opened soon by Laumeier Sculpture Park.

The ShowMe Handmade shop is run and supplied by a group of nine local artists who started retailing their handi-crafts on Etsy, a website featuring hand-made goods. These nine artsy ladies met and started a group through Etsy, and when the ArtSpace opportunity came up they banded together to open the retail space. Lauren Busiere, a tattoo artist at Cheap Trix and the creator of tattoo inspired art and clothing pieces, is one of the crafters that is part of the ShowMe Homemade collaborative. Click on the Featured Video tab to see Lauren show us her art, give us the lowdown on the artists in her shop and to get an idea of what ArtSpace is all about.

ShowMe Handmade is located in 206 Crestwood Plaza, and they are open Thursday through Saturday from 12pm until 8pm and Sunday from 11am until 6pm. The store not only serves up crafty thing to buy, they also offer crafting classes at their store. This month they are hosting classes on calligraphy, wire wrapping and making resin bottle cap magnets. These one night classes cost between $35 and $40, and you can check out their class listing online and you can register at least two days before the session by calling 314-401-0771.

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