Posted by Amy DeCaussin
Director of Projects & Social Media

Still keeping the local scene cool, artsy and classy, Practical Art on Central in Phoenix hosted a party celebrating seven years in business this past Saturday.  The shop is chocked full of local artists — boasting over 100 on their shop signs.

On the wall is the current gallery show “Buffalo Girl: Celebrating Jane Reddin” which is exhibited until April 30th, 2015. Featured artists are Christine Cassano, Randy Efros, Mayme Kratz, Lara Plecas, Joe Ray, Mary Shindell, Joe Willie Smith, Kate Timmerman, Denise Yaghmourian and Frank Ybarra.

A variety of cool work can be found inside.  Brightly colored ceramics, beautiful textile sweaters for babies, fun greeting cards, handmade soaps and candles, and handmade jewelry are just a few of the items you will find.

Ceramic pots by Annette Weaver.

Mixed Media lamps by Chad Shimmel

Necklaces by Cyndi Coon(Left) & Sara Creaser(Right).

Mixed Media Robots by Jordan-Alexander Thomas

Ceramic Mug by Katheryn Sins

Glass pieces by John Ryszka

Wooden spoons by Dan Basinski

Book by Tray Harris with illustrations and textile stuffies by Jennifer Campbell.

Out behind the store was a tent set up where shoppers could get in on the action and create their own crafts or try their hand at the pottery wheel.

Ceramicist Jillian Schimmel showing guests how to spin a pottery wheel.

Ceramics by Jillian Schimmel

It was a beautiful day for a fabulous celebration.  It is always a wonderful thing to shop local, and even better when local businesses flourish from so much support.

Laboratory5 Inc. is a small business based in Tempe, Arizona

Visit our website: Laboratory5       Follow us on Twitter: @lab5     Become a fan on Facebook: Laboratory5
Contact Us at anytime – we’d love to hear from you