We started planning POP UP STUDIO! about three weeks before the Opening Night Event. Before we knew it, the artist line-up formed and solidified. We made posters and worked some PR magic. We planned mini-events. We bought folders, sharpies, tape. We hired security. We met with artists, hung art, placed sculpture, arranged purses. We pulled favors with our families and friends.

Did I mention we crossed our fingers? We also drank lots of coffee and fiddled on our phones nonstop.

After much love and publicity from both print and on-line news venues, we opened the Little Luxuries Co. studio doors last week to an enthusiastic and curious crowd. Everyone had a great time at the opening night event — we had a packed house! It was wonderful to see our plans fall into place. Throughout the week, people came to see art, meet the artists, experience mini-events and watch films. POP UP STUDIO! did not disappoint. As we started to break down the show one thing became very obvious: Wilmington enjoyed seeing a variety of local artists show together in a unique space. We captured every moment on film — check it out here and here!

Although we totally burned out our social media avenues by pushing POP UP STUDIO!, the experience was priceless. We’ve made new friends and discovered new art along the way. As we say goodbye and thank you, only one questions remains: where will POP UP STUDIO! go next? When we figure it out, you’ll be the first to know.

With the artist line-up for POP UP STUDIO! in place, we are organizing additional programs beyond the Opening Night Soiree.  Stay tuned as mini-events are added into the mix and keep checking in here as the POP UP STUDIO! schedule evolves.  Change. Is. Good.

THE POP UP STUDIO! HOURS

POP UP STUDIO! will occur from March 16th -March 22nd.  The POP UP STUDIO!  gallery hours are 10-4pm daily (Sunday, March 18th hours are 1pm-4pm), by appointment or unless otherwise noted (mini-events!).  We are located at 405 South 3rd Street in downtown Wilmington.

THE POP UP STUDIO! AGENDA

FRIDAY, March 16, 2012 (7PM-11PM):  The POP UP STUDIO! “Opening Night Event”, hosted by Little Luxuries Co. and Kelly Starbuck, Photographer.  The Little Luxuries Co. studio will be filled with art and enthusiasm for our artists, who will all be on the premises to kick off POP UP STUDIO! in style.

SATURDAY, March 17, 2012 (10AM – 4PM):  The “Saturday Shopping Social”, hosted by our Jewelry, Accessories and Clothing Designers.  Come meet the artists and shop their goods in an intimate gathering.  Drinks, light bites and conversation will be offered…as well as a stunning collection of pieces.  Grab your girlfriends and make POP UP STUDIO! your first stop on Saturday morning!

TUESDAY, March 20, 2012 (1PM – until):  ”Portrait Party Session“, with photographer,  Kelly Starbuck!
What you get…A 20 minute photography session, then select your favorite shot (1) and a high-res and web optimized image will be emailed to you.  Why get a portrait?  Because you’re an actor and need a fresh headshot, you’re a mom and want a family portrait, you’re a professional and need a lead photo, or you just like to have pretty photos of yourself …And you are a person who loves a deal!  How much? 50 bucks.  See Kelly’s website for portrait work.  Contact Kelly directly at ks@kellystarbuck.com to make your appointment before the spots are gone!

WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2012: (12OM – 3PM):  ”Exploring Acrylics – Plein Air Painting and Mixed Media Techniques“, presented by Kirah Van Sickle.  Kirah will set up a work space on the front porch and do a paint demonstration with various mediums.  She will also answer questions about her art and creative process.  We can’t wait to see this artist at work.  Join us!

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012 (1PM – until):  ”Portrait Party Session“, with photographer,  Kelly Starbuck!  What you get…A 20 minute photography session, then select your favorite shot (1) and a high-res and web optimized image will be emailed to you.  Why get a portrait?  Because you’re an actor and need a fresh headshot, you’re a mom and want a family portrait, you’re a professional and need a lead photo, or you just like to have pretty photos of yourself …And you are a person who loves a deal!  How much? 50 bucks.  See Kelly’s website for portrait work.  Contact Kelly directly at ks@kellystarbuck.com to make your appointment before the spots are gone!

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012  (3PM – 5PM):  ”Glass As A Medium“, presented by Jim Downey.  Jim will be discussing the art of flame working borosilicate glass. He will have tools, torches, and glass work in progress on hand. He will also present several short videos of him working at his studio that will be shown in tandem with his discussions.

THURSDAY,  March 22, 2012 (5PM-7PM):  ”Lucille + Luau“, presented by fashion designer Lucille Bruno.  Luau-themed event with lite bites, lots of camp and fabulous clothing.

THURSDAY, March 22, 2010 (6:3pPM-10PM):  ”The Closing Night Film Function“, hosted by our talented film makers.  Have you ever wanted to know what the writer or director was thinking?  Come join us for an evening of screenings, discussion and film photography.  Each film maker will present his work in 30-minute segments that *may* include delightful tidbits such as crew perspective, the ILM film industry experience, insight to their creative process, how to get started in film or what Hollywood is really like.  Anything is possible when you have someone from “the movies” speaking about what they love to do.  This event will include a special meet and greet reception to put you in the mood to interact and talk about the art of film.

For Immediate Release

Wilmington, NC

discard, Kirah Van Sickle

Little Luxuries Co. (sisters Katherine Tootoo Makepeace and Leilani Tootoo Balaban) and Kelly Starbuck, Photographer are pleased to bring POP UP STUDIO!  to Wilmington, NC.

In just a short period of time, POP UP STUDIO! has picked up serious momentum and an impressive line-up of artists.  The event runs March 16-22, 2012.  The show will feature an opening night celebration on March 16th at 7pm and additional artist-hosted presentations throughout the week.  A full schedule is available here.  POP UP STUDIO! Artists were selected through an invitation and submission process.  The event was designed to bring the port city a variety of talent and art mediums to one spot, from the prolific sculptor Dumay Gorham to the eclectic designer Jan Wutkowski.

The concept of a “POP UP” event is fast and furious.  In short, an available space is utilized to bring something unique to the community for a short period of time.  The energy of this event pairs well with enthusiasm of the participating artists.  The POP UP STUDIO! co-curators wanted to make local art immediate and accessible to several layers of audiences, with the premise that a combined cross-section of art will bring in an expanded group of supporters and therefore deeper artist exposure.

The goal of POP UP STUDIO! is to not only to showcase Wilmington artists and delight guests, but to give the community an opportunity to support these artists by purchasing their pieces.  Or in the case of filmmaker Dylan Patterson, who is in the post-production/editing phase of his film Anhedonia (starring T.V.’s ‘Supernatural’ actress Traci Dinwiddie),  attendees are encouraged to make a donation to this project so the film can see completion.

In addition to the artists mentioned above, POP UP STUDIO! is also excited to introduce these artists to the event:

Lucille Bruno

Elizabeth Darrow

Angela Stilley

Olivia Lake Stocks

Virginia Gibbons 

Jim Downey

Tres Altman

Laura Scott Bay

Steve Bakunas

Kim Bardill

Chris Lopata

Sarah Tector

Scott Balaban

Virginia Yarborough Colantuono

Kathy Babb

Gary Breece

Miriam Oehrlein

Jonathan Latona

Bo Webb

Abby Spangel Perry

Mark Weber

Mitzy Jonkheer

Susan Covington

All artists are available for further conversation regarding their art and their participation in POP UP STUDIO!.  Please contact Leilani (415-307-7417) or Kelly (917-701-6114) to arrange an interview.  POP UP STUDIO! is a free event open to the public.  POP UP STUDIO! will be held at the studio of Little Luxuries Co., 405 South 3rd Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington.

Little Luxuries Co. and Kelly Starbuck, Photographer are pleased to bring POP UP STUDIO to Wilmington, NC. March 15-March 22, 2012.  Come join us and other local artists for a week of unique events and exhibitions, including an opening party on March 16th.

What is POP UP STUDIO?

It’s a space where you can show and sell your work. It’s a platform where you can promote and get funding for your film. It’s a photography workshop to learn more about camera technique. It’s a runway for your spring collection. It’s a stage for your ukulele skills.  It’s an empty bedroom for you to decorate with custom furnishings.  It’s what you need to showcase your gigantic sculpture.

In a word, POP UP STUDIO is “space”.  Over 2,000 feet of space to accommodate your work.  It is a unique opportunity for you as an artist to bring your talents to the community in a mixed-collaborative effort. It is also an opportunity for the community to support your craft.

Be a part of this!  The Little Luxuries Co. Studio is situated on 405 South 3rd Street in a huge historic home, 2 blocks from Projekte.  The walls and floor will be open for you to fill.   It is your space.  It is our space.

The artist entry fee of $25 will include:
A gallery-supervised environment for the duration of the event, sales support, marketing of events, staffed opening reception, security and exposure.  Starting March 12th all booked artists will have the opportunity to view and review spaces.  The artist entry deadline is March 9th or until full.   

Interested applicants please contact Leilani (415-307-7417), Kelly (917-701-6114), Katherine (404-308-1639) or e-mail us at studio@littleluxuriesco.com.  Submissions for consideration should include electronic images of the art intended to be shown/sold at the event.  All mediums are encouraged and welcome!

Are you someone who wants to show and sell your work but don’t have a space to properly highlight your art?  Why let “professional” artists have all the fun?

Little Luxuries Co. is opening up our downtown studio to highlight local artists exactly for this purpose.  This  amazing downtown Wilmington space is the perfect backdrop to showcase your creations.

This is the perfect opportunity to display your talents in a fun and supportive environment.  All mediums are encouraged and welcome.  The event will kick off with a POP UP STUDIO opening party on March 16th.  For more information, go here or contact us personally at studio@littleluxuriesco.com.

POP UP STUDIO!  It’s for the artists in us all!

Tomorrow is my friend Susan Kranyik’s birthday bash and fundraiser at Satellite Bar and Lounge.

Known to be a passionate supporter of those in need, Susan decided throwing a party was the perfect way to get people together for a bigger cause.  In a matter of days, Susan has organized a community effort amongst her friends to make life a bit easier for several local cancer patients.  Susan, a cancer fighter and survivor herself, understands first-hand the need for extra support and love during tough times.

The Hufton Brothers will be playing tunes and there will be tons of savory and sweet bites.  There will also be a silent auction full of unique items, many of which were created by local artists just for this event.  Offspring and pets are welcome!  Please join Susan and us for an afternoon of celebration and purpose.  Chances are, you may be helping someone you know.

The Orange Crush Ottoman.  We *really* enjoyed bringing this functional piece back to life.  The Orange Crush Ottoman was re-furbished from a discarded and unloved foot stool.  We striped, sanded, re-built, stained, and re-upholstered it with a sublime fabric.  The once unrated item becomes the coveted one!  This one-of-a kind piece is the perfect pop of color for your living space.  Check out the finished product here!

Although we’re very fond of Wright’s Silver Cream, polishing silver does take some time and effort.  Last fall, a good friend and quintessential southern belle recommended we try a more civilized way to remove tarnish from our heirloom pieces.  The recipe sounded too simple to work, but we were intrigued and decided to give it a go.  We’re quite happy to report this old-school recipe passed with flying colors!  This method is especially effective for silver jewelry because the cleansing solution is very gentle and easily penetrates small nooks and crannies.

Southern Silver Solution:

Place 1 cup of Ivory Snow Soap Flakes in a disposable aluminum baking pan (the kind you would use to roast a turkey).  Add enough boiling water to fill the pan about half way.  Give the mixture a swirl and you’re ready to begin!  Submerge silver pieces and turn several times so that all surfaces come in contact with the cleansing solution, taking care not to touch the hot liquid.  Remove items after a minute or two, rinse in cool water, and set to dry on a towel.  You’ll be surprised and delighted with the results.  We just love the work of chemistry before our very eyes!

Before/After shots of our favorite earrings from the ever-talented S Tector Metals.

Shortly after the New Year rolled into our lives, a chill settled across the South.  The first real chill of the winter.  It took everyone by surprise, even though yes, it is winter.  And yes, winter it naturally cold.  The weather made us think about the birds.  The birds that stayed home, instead of heading out.  Little Luxuries Co. decided to make  little feeders for the locals.  Something small and totally adorable.  Just like the little birds we hope to see outside our window.  Stay warm.

Right now we’re working on another stuffed animal project.  A friend wanted to make something special using her Grandmother’s sweaters…something she could share with her Mom.  We’re putting together a montage of beach-themed stuffed animals for these coastal girls, sure to stir lots of summer vacation memories from their Grandmother’s cottage.  We’ll be sure to post pictures once the project is complete!

Update:  the sweater creatures are adorable!  Here’s one of our favorites from the dolphin family.  Special, indeed.