Dear Friends of City Arts Boutique,

I wanted to give you some news about City Arts.  After a year and a half run, I have determined that the current strategy for the City Arts Boutique retail model in Woodlawn is not sustainable.  We are just not having the foot traffic needed for the shop to make ends meet and I don’t anticipate that changing for some time.  While there are so many good things happening in the business district of Historic Woodlawn, there are not yet other retail businesses established that would help to strengthen foot traffic in the area.

This being said, I am going to be changing the model of City Arts and making it completely events-based.  This means I will not be operating in a brick and mortar space any longer.  I will hopefully in the future participate in or put together some pop-up shows, and perhaps some pop-up art classes as well, in any location I can find.  I am also planning on keeping up my blog on cityartsboutique.com and highlighting local artists and art events.

While I am sorry I can’t continue any longer in this location, I do not have any regrets for having started up shop here.  The time I have spent on this little corner in Woodlawn has been special and rewarding to me on so many levels.  The people who have crossed paths with me in this space have been remarkable.  And while I don’t have financial excesses to take away from this experience, I see clearly the non-monetary benefits and value that has been created by physically being here.    We have been able to offer access to beautiful, amazing artwork to people that might not otherwise have had the opportunity to see it.  Seeds of inspiration have been planted.  Connections have been made.  Eyes have been opened to changing the perception of Woodlawn.  And, I have formed quality relationships with all of you, my artists, and many others on the street and in the community.  To me, this is success.  And I have been honored to have been able to participate in and experience all of that.

I walk away from this experience knowing that other than focusing on my own craft, my passions lie in assisting local artists in developing business know-how in order to efficiently promote themselves and their artwork, helping interested people develop their skills in arts and crafts, and helping the public have easy access to the work of local Birmingham artists.   I plan to work towards all of these efforts in the future. 

One of the ways I plan to do this is through Birmingham Creative Roundtable, a group that meets once a month to learn best practices from others in creative professions. Learn more at www.bhamcreativeroundtable.com.  

And, as I mentioned, I will be keeping up my blog, www.cityartsboutique.com and Facebook page (City Arts Boutique) to promote new work of local artists, and provide information on local art and city events, so visit me online often!

All the best to you,

Brooke Fleming

FYI, if you haven’t heard, the Woodlawn Soul Down was cancelled today, so City Arts will not be open this afternoon!  Sorry Folks!

We had a wonderful Spring Art Show featuring the work of Jamie Harper of Smallwood Studios. He and his wife Tammy are wonderful friends and an adorable, extremely talented couple.

If you missed the show and would like to see his work, please call 902.3181 to see on appointment.

I wanted to let you know about a few things you don’t want to miss this week!

First, I wanted to make sure you all know about the Magic City Art Connection this weekend in Linn Park.  This is an amazing show with fantastic artists.  It has always been one of my favorite art shows.  So much so, that City Arts will be closed this Friday and Saturday so we can all enjoy it.

On Sunday, City Arts will be OPEN from 2-5pm for the Woodlawn Soul Down.  This will be food, music, and fun in Woodlawn. Come see all the things that are going on in Woodlawn. I hope to see you then!

And, finally, we are having a wonderful painting class on Monday evening, April 29th from 6-8 pm.  This will be our “Bottles & Brushes” Class taught by Allison Rhea.  This time, we will be painting a still life bouquet of flowers.  The cost is $30 and all materials are included.  Just bring your favorite beverage and yourself. (Invite friends or make new ones!)  We always have a wonderful time.  (There is limited seating and advanced sign-up and payment is required.)  Email cityartsboutique@gmail.com or call Brooke at 902.3181.

We will be open this week Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 - 12:30 and Sunday 2-5pm or by appointment, call 902.3181.

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Brooke Fleming

Owner, City Arts Boutique

City Arts is a new concept boutique combining a gallery, shop, and on-site studios. The boutique presents an eclectic mix of art, handmade arts and crafts, unique clothing and jewelry, all created exclusively by local Birmingham artists.

Located in Historic Woodlawn on the corner of 1st Ave S and 55th Place S, we are proud to be part of the revitalization efforts in the area.5528 1st Ave S., Birmingham, AL.

Please check our website for weekly updates on our open hours.

Like us on Facebook!
facebook.com/cityartsboutique

Follow us on twitter: @CityArtsBham

Birmingham artist Allison Rhea wants to teach you how to paint.  Our next Bottles & Brushes is this Monday, April 29 from 6-8pm at City Arts Boutique.

This month, we’ll be painting a still life bouquet of flowers.  Keep it for yourself, or give it for a Mother’s Day gift! 

$30 covers all your materials.  Just bring your favorite beverage and yourself!

Seating is limited, advanced sign up and payment required. 
Email cityartsboutique@gmail.com or call Brooke at 902.3181.

Photo by Elaine Davis

We have adjusted OPEN hours this week at City Arts Boutique!  We will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30-12:30.  We will be closed on Friday and Saturday so everyone is free to enjoy our favorite Bham art show of the year, the Magic City Art Connection.  And then on Sunday we will be open from 2-5pm for the Woodlawn Souldown.  What a  fun week!