I'm starting 2013 with a review for a place I discovered towards the end of 2012.
I Absolutely love Absolutely Art.
The concept.
The staff.
The rad gifts I picked up during the holiday shopping season.
The idea that you can browse a collection of handmade goods from several area artists isn't novel on it's own, but what's unique about the place is how the store is curated. I've been a number of times now, and I have to say each time I go in there I see something new. A featured artist every month and re-merchandising give the interior a fresh look on repeat visits, making it so regardless of whether you need something, it's simply fun to walk around. They carry detailed information about the artists and have a good understanding of their inventory and items you might see in the future. I love that Meghan the gallery manager pays artists up front and then is charged with the task of selling their goods, which means they can put those pennies back into their work without having to wait for something to sell.
If you follow them on Facebook you'll be alerted to gallery events and evenings with artists. Get involved! It's a cool place to have in our backyard everyday of the year, not just the few weeks we scramble to get holiday gifts.