Refreshingly Eclectic........by Joyce Oroz

What does "the little shop around the corner" mean to you? A little store you went to when you were a child, and the grocer gave you a free malt ball candy every time you shopped the narrow aisles with your mother? Was it a music shop where you saw the perfect instrument you dreamed of playing, or the pet shop with a two dollar live bunny in the window that you were saving for? Was the store charming and loaded with cute little collectibles, stationary and art supplies?

Yes, I'm leading up to something. There is a shop/gallery in my town, Aromas, where anything goes.

 A huge skeleton of a steer's head hangs on the wall alongside an acrylic painting of a raspberry colored flower. Painted gourds share space with an antique vase, metal boxes from India, collage place mats and a large assortment of knitted caps. A treadle sewing machine has stuffed animals and knitted scarves piled on it. Flower arrangements sit next to Christmas decorations and jewelry of every kind. Hand carved Santas share space with pinch pots, greeting cards and books by local authors. 

Here is a clue to identifying this colorful shop. Five colors of tee shirts in all sizes are decorated with a picture of the Dragonfly Gallery on the back. Who would have guessed?
Tomorrow, December 14th the Dragonfly Gallery will come alive with Christmas music and the smell of hot cider. Folks will have the opportunity to buy handmade earrings for $5.00 a pair--ready made or pick the beads you want and watch the jewelry take shape before your eyes. Grace Laurin will have her pliers ready.
From beads to books, the gallery has it all.

 Local author, Giselle Rocha will be signing her new book, A Dark Sky. It is a fantastic teen book--well written with a lovely cover that Giselle designed and produced herself. A great Christmas present!
Don't forget to stop by the Dragonfly gallery, 380 Blohm in Aromas Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 for music, refreshments and conversation. See you there!