New Shorewood Boutique Spreads Its Wings

It was a sad day when the its doors in February. I loved that boutique and all it stood for!

The HAB was a unique and precious store and I quite enjoyed it being in Shorewood. The HAB represented many local artists who sold their works on consignment. The mix was eclectic to say the least...photography, painting, multi media, jewelry and other incredibly creative pieces. One artist with quite a presence throughout the store was Steph Davies. Her ink drawings on canvas of birds graced almost every wall and her vintage-style jewelry hung elegantly through the space. Steph could be found working the register at the boutique. The name Steph Davies was a main fixture. So when Leslie and Leslie (former owners) decided they wanted to pass the torch, Steph was the obvious choice for the friendly take-over. She officially re-opened the doors to the HAB space in March with a refreshed look, feel and name. 

I was thrilled to visit with Steph and take some photos of what she has done with the place. And in her own words, I introduce The Waxwing.

How many artists are represented right now?

Right now there are over 60 artists in the shop and the number continues to grow...it's a lot in a small space and I never want it to become too overwhelming, but I'd like to represent as many varieties of art as I can. Currently the work in the store ranges from pottery to jewelry, original drawings and prints, refurbished & upcycled works, clutches, wallets, bandanas, clothing, baby accessories, soap, candles...and on and on it goes.

What is your mission or vision for the space?

I'd like the space to be an ever evolving creative endeavor. Currently I'm working hard to present all the items in the shop in the best light possible so as to best serve each artist that is in the space. This is occupying all of my energy and focus at the moment but eventually I'd like The Waxwing to be home to artist workshops/knitting nights/poetry nights/live music/kids craft days, etc....I'd really love to reach out to all aspects of the community and be a place that truly has something to offer everyone...and we'll get there, I just want to do it the right way and give each aspect of The Waxwing time to develop and get grounded before moving onto the next.

What do you want area shoppers to know about the shop?

Everything is locally made, much of it coming from right here in the Shorewood community. Whenever possible, a lot of the artists use recycled/refurbished or upcycled materials. The shop is a collective of artists, all selling their work on consignment so 60 cents of every dollar spent at The Waxwing goes to a local artist meaning all of the money stays right here within the community. The Waxwing also acts as my own personal studio where I am often at work on illustrations so feel free to stop in and check out my latest project, I'm very open to talking about my work and answering any questions.

What are some of the exciting things coming up?

On April 25 at 7 p.m., The Waxwing is hosting a lovely acoustic performance by Heather Styka. Heather is a singer/songwriter from Chicago who also makes felted works of art that are featured in the shop. You can check out here music at http://www.heather.styka.com and if you're interested in hearing her sing or talking to her about her art, come check out the show! Tickets are available at the store for $5 in advance (or $7 at the door)

May 18 is our next art opening at the shop. Featuring the work of: Katrice Battle, Sarah Dwyer-Olson, Brittany Farina, Doug Koepsel, Jill Lambert & Annie Sweers. Come meet the artists from 6 to 9 p.m. and enjoy some wine & treats at our shop. We'll be hosting these gallery night events every two months and introducing new artists to our shop and the community.

Tell about you...your journey as an artist and now a retail gallery owner

I'm from Blue Springs, Missouri-a town just outside of Kansas City. I moved to Chicago when I was 18 to attend the Art Institute of Chicago where I studied Scientific Illustration and received my BFA. I've always worked a number of odd jobs to get by often in creative fields ranging from managing a comic book store in Chicago to working in live theaters as a coat check girl to a brief stint as an apprentice at a funeral home. My goal was always to have jobs that inspired me in some way, paid my bills and allowed me to make art on the side...but my main goal has always been to own my own business one day where I could be a part of the art community and create my own work as well. I met my husband, local musician Matthew Davies, in Chicago and he's been so supportive in me following my dream. We eventually settled here in Milwaukee and it seems that everything life has thrown my way since we arrived has led me to this little storefront on Oakland Avenue. The Waxwing is really a dream come true for me. I'm inspired every day by the other artists in the space and incredibly driven to make the store a success not just for my sake but for all the artists who are a part of the space.

And finally tell me about your art

While studying at SAIC I spent some time at The Field Museum in Chicago taking courses and my favorite moment was when I discovered these drawers filled with birds that weren't on display in the main part of the museum.  I'd studied printmaking mostly up until that point and that line work that goes hand in hand with wood block printing fit so perfectly into drawing the texture of feathers on the birds and I was smitten...there's really no other way to put it. Birds have been a strong focus in my work ever since.  I'm drawn to their balance, their delicate strength, their freedom of flight...here I am 8 years after taking that first course and I haven't grown tired of them yet. I currently have a solo show on exhibit at Foxglove Gallery in Riverwest where you can see some of my larger works.

To find out more check out:

The Waxwing website: http://www.thewaxwing.com
More on Steph: http://www.stephdaviesartmusic.com
The Thriftones website (Steph’s husband's band): http://www.thriftones.com
The Foxglove Gallery site: http://www.foxglovegallery.wordpress.com