Downtown Barrington Shop’s Art Show Returns

Angelina, a downtown Barrington shop, is giving local artists an opportunity to show off their talents at its Meet the Arts this weekend.

Meet the Arts, in its second year, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 19 . Owner Katie Kuempel decided that there was so much great local talent but the shop, unfortunately, can’t possibility stock all of the products. Kuempel decided to showcase their work in a different way.

As a small business, it’s important for Angelina to support other small businesses and artists, Kuempel said. It’s also important for the shop to have products made in the U.S.

“I feel like it is such an epidemic where everyone is buying products made in other countries,” Kuempel said. “Yes, there is no doubt that products made in the U.S. cost a little more, but you are getting a better quality product and supporting the economy in your own country. It's really a win-win for everyone.”

Angelina carries as many “Made in the USA” products as possible and as well as handmade products that benefit fair trade organizations, she said. “We have so many fabulous stationery lines that are designed and printed in the US, as well we have many jewelry lines that are handmade, candles that are hand poured, and hand painted housewares,” Kuempel said.

Featured artists for Meet the Arts include:

• Therese Kuempel, jewelry
• Hello Lovely, art and accessories
• Life Therapy, jewelry and bath and body
• Bliss, handmade books and paper goods
• A Quartzy Life, hand painted housewares
• Sarah Carter Studio, art and gifts
• Melissa James, art and photography

Angelina opened 12 years ago at 200 S. Cook St. Kuempel took over the shop four years ago.

Business is great, she said. “We have doubled our sales in that time. We are so blessed to have such fabulous, loyal customers,” she said.