Etsy.com has created a platform for countless artists, but it has also inspired the selling of handmade goods, even beyond cyberspace. Enter: Finding Joy, the new Excelsior boutique created by Christie Larson to showcase her own glass mosaic art (pictured), along with the functional and decorative work of more than 50 local artists. Emphasis on local – most of the artists live within 10 miles of the store at the Tonka Bay Shopping Center. Considering this is the first foray into retail for many of the artists, the merchandise is encouraging – pillows, birdhouses, vases, woodwork, cards, jewelry, baby goods and more priced from $2 to $300. See something you wish you could make yourself? Just wait- the back room is being turned into a classroom where artists will teach their craft. 5619 Manitou Road, Excelsior, 612-250-7286
Tags: excelsior, Finding Joy, shop local, Twin Cities artists
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