Creativity is a cottage industry here

Woodbury resident and painter Gloria Popowitz said she has always had a passion for arts and crafts.

Popowitz credits children’s murals as her specialty, however she dabbles in most styles.

“I’ve always had a desire for the arts, the handmade,” she said. “It fascinates me what can come off of that brush onto this canvas.”

Popowitz has been able to turn her passion for artwork into a new businesses venture with her new business, Creative Cottage, in downtown Afton.

Creative Cottage, housed in the historic “Little Red House” site, had its grand opening May 1.

Creative Cottage is essentially an artist consignment shop.

Local artists bring their artwork and crafts to the shop – open Thursday through Sunday – where it is displayed and hopefully purchased.

Popowitz takes 30 percent of the commission.

“I felt so compelled to do this because there’s so many artisans out there nobody knows about,” Popowitz said. “It gives each artisan a chance to shine and show their work.”

Currently Creative Cottage houses a total of 31 artists with items that include: knitting, crocheting, quilting, jewelry, painting, glasswork, pottery, sculptures and photography.

“It’s a really neat mix, so there’s something for everybody,” she said.

Creative Cottage is divided into four rooms.

The first room is the gallery, which houses the upscale art such as painting, photography and sculpture.

The second room houses the “shabby chic” jewelry.

The third room is the children’s room which houses an assortment of children’s items such as clothes, accessories, blankets and décor.

The final room is the patio, which acts as a room for seasonal items.

In addition to displaying art and selling art, Popowitz said she also intends to offer art classes at Creative Cottage.

“It helps bring out what they didn’t realize they could do either,” she said.

Popowitz said she chose to open the shop because art has been an important part of her life.

“I’ve always had a passion for it,” she said. “It is an outlet that I can’t explain; it’s a creative outlet, an emotional outlet, a spiritual outlet.”

Popowitz said she was very passionate about showcasing local artists, and handmade art, because it is an art form that has been lost.

“It’s the warmth and the joy that goes into the handmade items that makes it so much more special than making a quick trip to the store,” she said. “…That’s the glory of handmade items, even if you try to make the same thing twice, it’s not going to look the same.”

Popowitz said she is very excited about Creative Cottage and is optimistic that it will bring charm, excitement and passion to Afton.

“It’s a chance to bring the handmade back and the things you can’t find at Target,” she said. “I’m hoping to bring a new insight on the handmade because it’s a lost art that people don’t care about anymore and that’s just a shame.

“I hope that every person who comes in here just feels inspired.”

Creative Cottage is located at 3192 St. Croix Trail, in downtown Afton. Store hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Tags: news, lifestyle, arts, communities, afton