G Whiz Welcomes Artists

G Whiz, a specialty shop located at the Foundry of Barrington, hosted artisans and artists on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19 and 20, giving holiday shoppers a chance to choose a truly unique gift or maybe bring home a little something for themselves.

Owner, Jan Cunningham can relate to the ten vendors who rotated between her Barrington and Deer Park stores this weekend.  Seventeen years ago, she was creating jewelry for a living.  "I started out doing fine art and craft shows and then we had the chance to open a retail store," she said.

When Cunningham was imagining her venture, she pictured a retail experience with something for everyone, whether the customer is searching for an inexpensive trinket or a more high-end treasure.  "We've always hoped that people will find gifts that really get noticed," Cunningham said.  "We try to be ahead of trends and we try to do promotions and things that are off the beaten path, just to make it more exciting, more of an experience."

A trip to the cheerful, brightly lit store certainly bears that idea out.  As soon as shoppers swing the doors open, inviting displays beckon, leading the way to near necessities, which run the gamut from, "$1.00 to a thousand dollars," Cunnigham said.  From Pandora and Brighton to key chains, whimsically decorated with dog breeds, it would be a struggle to leave empty handed. 

Christmas merchandise is well represented and plentiful displays sparkle on the centralized display tables, as well as in the plentiful nooks and crannies.

Aside from the Santas, angels, and candy cane gifts for happy customers, Cunnigham likes to give artists the gift of opportunity this time of year.  "Every year, in November, we have an Open House and for the past couple years we've tried to tie artists into it," Cunnigham said.  "They are artists that we normally don't carry in the store."

The invitation is a nod to Cunnigham's days as a working artist.  "Basically, that's how I started the business and so we're trying to help them start their businesses and grow their businesses," she said.

The artists who displayed their work are as varied as the merchandise carried by the store.  According to manager, Marylou Campbell, there were two artists creating hand painted ornaments.  Nancy Simeral painted fine porcelain and Theresa Sacomano painted in a style that is more whimsical. 

Sweet Lane Desserts offered gourmet sweets and treats, and two artists displayed creations made from repurposed materials. Bottle Cap Necklaces by Everyday Creations and Barbora Eco Art displayed jewelry crafted from recycled materials.

Sheryl Johnson's Sock Animals donated the proceeds from the show to the Humane Society. 

Chris Flannery's Art Mirrors & Frames was also on hand as Embellishments by Linear, a vendor of the adorned leather jewelry.

Gifts of a different kind will be collected at the store through Dec. 1, with a little something extra for customers who bring in groceries. The store is promoting a food drive and will offer a dollar to spend in the store for every non-perishable item donated, up to ten dollars.  This promotion was a rousing success last year with five truckloads of food for those in need.  "We restocked the township's pantry," said Cunningham.  "We're trying to do something besides food.  We're asking for toilet paper, diapers, soap, things that aren't normally given."

Call: 847-304-0255 or visit www.shopgwhiz.com for more information.