Noticing > Visual Culture
I didn't travel too much this summer, but did take a trip to Seattle in June. There I scouted out a few quirky art boutiques. I found a string of small storefronts on 2nd Avenue, near the Pike Place Market and my old haunts in Belltown. There is a trio of shops called Fancy Schmancy Pants. Nearby is my favorite new little gallery, Nancy.
Nancy is a tiny gallery and gift shop owned by artists Kate Greiner and Aaron Murray, who are also husband and wife. I am a fan of Aaron's work which I was delighted to run across a few years ago when he had a booth in the pike place market. He makes amazing miniature ceramic sculpture, woodcut prints, and humorous hand painted trading cards. It is inspiring to see young artists carving out a funky niche for their work in a city filled with high-end retail stores.
Nancy
1930 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-441-7131
http://www.fancyschmancypants.com/
You can buy blank vinyl toys and customize them.
Schmancy
specializes in plush and vinyl toys (which I currently enjoy collecting)
1930 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 728-8008
http://www.schmancytoys.com
Fancy / Pants sells unique jewelry and underwear
http://www.fancyjewels.com/