Places 'Yule' Love: Art & Soul Gallery | Arts & Culture

Radio stations have started their holiday music, stores have put out displays, and the lights are on at the Botanical Gardens and Bridgestreet -- Tis the season.  For me, sometimes the season = stress!  Now I know that gifts are only a small part of the celebrations, but finding that perfect, thoughtful gift is always on my mind.

So this year I am starting early by hitting up my favorite spots and finding new ones.  I am sharing them in a series of articles that focus on the small businesses, artists, and supporting our locals.

There is a new business just over the mountain in Huntsville that features 20 artists from all across North Alabama and Southern Tennessee.  The name is "Art & Soul" and from the moment I walked in, I fell in love!

What I loved about the business is it has all types of art - Paintings, jewelry, metal sculptures, ornaments and more!  It recently opened in October and is run by Kim Potter, an artist herself.

Kim told me she was excited to feature local and regional artists in her shop. She loves to showcase all of the talent in our area. It's her first time owning a small business and she has big plans!  She invites groups who want to have private parties or classes to call or email. 

Art and Soul also offers classes.  One class that is coming up is the Holiday Tag Class on Monday November 26th from 6pm - 9pm where you can create your own gift tags. You get 20 tags (there are four designs/ five tags each) and teachers to help you through the class.  It's $40 a person and a great way to get into the holiday spirit after Thanksgiving.

What is also unique about Art and Soul Gallery is that it is home to other businesses such as Horse & Home, Distinguished Consignments; Decorous Dishes, Vintage Rentals; French Twigs, Designer Gifts; and Honeysuckle Studio, Event Rental Space. Collectively they are called the Village.  I didn't get to meet all of the Village People, but the one I did meet was delightful :)

Horse & Home has some beautiful furniture that owner Karen Bolton stages in just the right way.  She practically makes each room look like it is just out of HGTV or a magazine.  She is also have a great design eye, so feel free to talk her up and get suggestions she is a wealth of of information.

I didn't get a chance to meet the owner of Decorous Dishes, but her area looks like a Pintrest Dream!  If you are looking for a one of a kind china rental for your dinnerware -- check them out!

Parents -- Art and Soul has an area called Honeysuckle Studio.  If you want an indoor party with crafts, games, and easy clean up - they can hook you up.  They recently put on a pirate themed party with arts and crafts.

They also host church groups, bachlorette parties, and other gatherings. 

Kim is a firm believer in everyone should have art.  It doesn't have to be high priced and on the wall -- there are functional pieces that are in everyones budget.  They have great hostess gifts, as Kim told me, "A good Southern girl doesn't show up without a gift."  From note cards to earrings - there is a special gift for your special someone out there.

Ever find yourself in this situation?  "What do you want to get for ______ (insert name here)?" "I dunno."

With art/pieces from 20 artists, you can find yourself something along with that hard to buy for person. Stop by and say hello to all of the stores and fall in love Art and Soul.

List of Artists:

Carrie Alderfer (website)  (etsy)

John Beene  (website)

Connie Boussom (facebook page)

Jim Davidson

Paula Dickerhoff  (website)  (etsy)

David Hammock  (facebook page)

Marcus Hilden (etsy)

Sherry Jacks (facebook page)

Lorelai Kolarik

Michele Lee (website)

Stefanie McCrary

Bill McCutcheon (website)

Alex Parsley  (facebook page)

Cynthia Parsons (website)

Donna Payne

Bain Peto

Kim Potter (Art Blog)

Tami Speth

Angela True (website)

Ed Word