rhino art

images megan.christine

high above encinitas boulevard, along the pacific highway by moonlight beach, sits a nondescript cement building that i recently learned houses the rhino art company.  opened in 1994, this independent locally owned and operated art supply shop has excellent products at competitive prices.  the sun drenched space is filled with supplies, books, cards and miscellaneous funky products.  the store also doubles as a gallery, with original works displayed along the interior walls.  the staff is friendly and accommodating, and having direct experience in the arts themselves, it's great to be able to compare and discuss with a knowledgeable source.  having discovered this local gem, i will happily bypass the chain arts & crafts stores from now on.

The Old Lucketts Store - vintage hip-

Along rural Route 15 in Leesberg, Virginia is the quaint area of Lucketts, wherein sits a huge landmark house, better known as The Old Lucketts Store. To many, the maze of room after room, heaped with unique and sometimes random antiques, is a gem. For the last 12 years, a conglomeration of about 30 different vendors established an enormous store to sell irresistible pieces at an affordable price. Each vendor is free to set up their space as they choose, with many of the displays so creatively assembled, you are bound to get inspired. I was a fan of the fabric ruched ceiling in one room. The array of items one can find are practically endless, from shabby chic furniture, silverware, mannequins (the metal one with wings was incredible!), knobs, lunch boxes, linens, lamps, hair pins, signs, china, pottery..... the list can go on and on! On my last trip, with just over an hour, I felt like I had only grazed the surface. I encourage everyone to set aside an afternoon, get dirty and dig around. I promise it won't take long for your basket or truck bed to fill up!