Express Yourself
Gallery Expressions is far from your typical home store.
Sometimes it's not enough to watch HGTV for home ideas. You just have to see a room in person, open the cabinets and try the fireplace. At Gallery Expressions, a new showroom that opened in June, you can do just that. “We’re not your ordinary showroom,” says Manager Brian Joplin.
Visitors can spend hours meandering through an 11,000-square-foot labyrinth with 61 kitchen, bar and bathroom vignettes that range in style from vintage to European. The options are almost limitless. “We try to get everything you might need under one roof,” says Joplin. There are doors, windows and other remodeling materials. The showroom also has a host of countertop materials, as well as Formica and speckled Corian in dozens of colors. Racks of diverse handles complement cabinets and doors. An impressive home theater is tucked behind a wall in the back lined with classic movie posters. Nearby is a conference room that visitors can reserve.
With so many options, the store can be overwhelming to navigate. Fortunately, in-house designers and craftsmen roam the aisles to assist customers. These workers can create custom fireplaces, install tile, paint walls and do whatever else an inspired home project might entail.
“We can build from scratch, do an addition, do a remodel,” says Joplin. “Literally soup to nuts, everything.” —S.J.L.
Playful Pottery
Local artist Heather Meeds handcrafts playful pottery that’s as functional as it is beautiful. The fragile bowls seem to convey, “Look, don’t touch,” but Meeds’ work is made for everyday use.
The matte-finish pottery has purposely flawed shapes, but the indentions make them easy to hold. “This is more loose, organic, fun,” Meeds says of the airy pastels. The delicate rims have a hint of a ruffle. Thick pitchers and plaques flaunt floral and heart motifs.
While most of Meeds’ ceramic creations are available at Architectural Artifacts, she also sells her nature-inspired bowls, plaques and other home décor at Gallery 12 and the Wichita Art Museum’s gift shop. Meeds even takes requests.
Small bowls $25, pitcher $39, plaque $65 at Architectural Artifacts, 5424 E. Central Ave, 316-683-8900, heathermeeds.com
