From Sarah Elder

Last Sunday, despite the threat of rain, my fiance and I decided to walk to the Queen Street Block Party. We took our dog, Gizmo, with us, expecting that he would bark at every other dog he saw (which he did) and attempt to jump in the lap of every person who paid him the least bit of attention (which he also did), but bringing him turned out to be a great decision. Almost every stand or store we visited had something to offer both our dog and our admittedly abnormal obsession with him.

The first stop on our tour was Rainbow Pet Creations, a pet grooming salon and supply store, which had free treats and small bags of food for offer. They sold the typical pet supplies: leashes, collars, food bowls, toys, brushes, and the like. But, there was also a wider variety of dog clothing than I’ve seen in any other store. Gizmo is an incredibly fluffy pomeranian and thus doesn’t enjoy wearing clothing, but if your dog does, you should definitely stop by the store.

A stand in the middle of the street called Knit Creations had sweaters for pets that were more functional than cutesy and came in every possible color combination. The nice man operating the stand gave us free treats for Gizmo and allowed him to try on one of the sweaters, which I enjoyed more than Gizmo did. They also had coffee cozies made of knit fabric, which are easier on mother nature than disposable ones, pot holders, and shoulder-bags.

PAWS, a no-kill animal shelter operating throughout the central Pennsylvania area, also had a stand in the middle of the street. They gave Gizmo more treats, which I put in my purse because I didn’t want him to pig out, and my fiance and I packets of info about their organization. The services they provide to pets range from veterinarian to rehabilitation and adoption, and they’re always looking for more volunteers.

We left briefly, but came back around 3:30 to explore the open stores and galleries. The first place we stopped, was, of course, Rachel’s Creperie, which I realize is neither a store or a gallery, but smelled so good that neither of us could walk past without stopping. I got the breakfast burrito crepe, with a Chevalier Chai, and my fiance ordered some kind of make-your-own crepe filled with sausage, cheese, and bacon. God forbid if they put anything healthy in his food. The service was surprisingly fast, considering that they were packed, and the food was as delicious as always.

From there, we headed to Zap and Co. I spent an inordinate amount of time looking through old prom dresses, while my fiance perused the collection of hawaiian shirts. Art and Glassworks was loaded with antiques and decorative odds and ends. I loved their garden ornaments, elegant blown-glass balls in rich colors perched on the ends of metal rods. If I had a garden, I would buy hundreds of them to fill it up.

We made it into Building Character, which is one of my favorite places in the city. I am fascinated by the ability of crafty people to take old architectural details like window shutters and transform them into furniture. Every time I visit that store I find something so simple- like a glass-top coffee table made out of an old window frame- that I can’t live without, but unfortunately can’t afford to buy.

One of our last stops was the art gallery of Elizabeth W. Gibson. As soon as I picked up her brochure, I knew our dog-centric day had come full circle. Ms. Gibson creates pet portraits in pastel or water media. They are absolutely beautiful and, unfortunately, far too expensive for this college student’s income.  Maybe at next year’s block party, when I have graduated and (hopefully) gotten  a real job, I will bring Gizmo back to have his portrait done.

Ina Vigilato. tattoo artist.  owner, Freedom Gallery.

Ina Vigliato was never particularly impressed with tattoos while she was growing up.  Today she owns one of the most sophisticated tattoo salons in the area.  When you see Ina, with her striking looks and layers of intrigue, you think she’s the kind of person you would like to know.  And you’d be right.  Ina is the type who will give you a hug and never be the first to let go.

Despite her lack of interest, by age 21 life landed her in a quintessential hard-core, bad-to-the-bone tattoo shop complete with a boss sporting a mullet and a gold tooth in Rockland, Illinois.  Can you picture this blonde beauty sweeping the grimy floor and learning from the masters?  She did her time.  Six months later, she’d paid her dues and started making art.

“I learned a lot about the art of tattoo and the art of customer service.”  Ina explains of her time in the trenches.  “Even more important, I learned how I did not want people to feel when they wanted a tattoo.  I never want people to feel intimidated or not cool enough.”

Today, at Freedom Gallery, a welcoming professionalism is paramount.  Every client who enters the serene, spotless space is made to feel at ease.  Ina believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to express himself through beautiful artwork.  She’s cultivated a studio culture that is respectful, friendly and charmingly positive.

Ina is very clear that it is the other artists and the team that make Freedom Gallery work. “Being a team is very important to me,” she explains.  “Everyone working here is well-educated, smart and humble. All of our work is in good taste.  We don’t allow anything at Freedom that is degrading or dangerous.  It really helps to keep a peaceful and positive spirit.”

A native of Alaska, with a childhood spent as one of four kids in rural Wisconsin, Ina has traveled many miles in her 30 years.  Her journey has shaped her profession and crafted her open spirit.   “I was the girl to wear Go-Go boots and false eyelashes to the prom,” she laughs.  “But I could hang out with anyone.  I seemed to transcend all of those weird high school cliques.

She still exudes a genuine openness here in the City of Lancaster.   She extends the same warmth to all visitors to Freedom Gallery. Her personal clients include a suburban Lancaster County dentist and a youth pastor, as well as long-term clients who travel from Philadelphia or Mechanicsburg.  They’ve all taken the time to get to know Ina, and they all understand that it is worth the trip.

I’m happy when: Our artists are all working and our clients are being well taken care of.

Favorite Tattoo: I love the one on my chest.  It’s incredibly symbolic for me and is very heartfelt and loving.  The delicate filigree is to protect and guard my heart while the cross represents Christ and his spiritual healing in my life.  The crown is very small because I am proud of the work I’m doing, but it is small because I know that I don’t do it alone.  The wings symbolize freedom – my freedom and the freedom I can give to others.

FREEDOM GALLERY     18 E. MCGOVERN AVENUE        717.293.1700

www.LancasterARTS.com

300 Block of North Queen Street

KNOCK ON OUR DOORS

STOP BY AND SEE THE 300 BLOCK

A unique collection of shops and curiosities.

305 Red Rose Segway Tours

www.redrosesegtours.com

309 Rachel’s Cafe and Creperie

310 Mommalicious & My Aunt Debbie

www.mommalicious.com

www.myauntdebbie.com

315 Zap & Co. The Retro Department Store

www.zapandco.com

317 The Pillar Lounge

www.pillarlounge.com

319 Art & Glassworks

www.artandglassworks.com

320 The Wiebners, Photographers

Photo Boutique and Gallery

www.thewiebners.com

322 j.a. sharp Custom Jeweler

www.jasharp.com

323 The Candy Factory

328 The Framing Concept

www.theframingconcept.com

332 Revival Skate Shop

www.theshopperevival.com

346 BUiLDiNG CHARACTER’s
Showroom & Gallery

www.buildingcharacter.biz

350 Uptown Antiques

www.uptownantiques.us

Photography by The Wiebners

December 4

Grand Opening:  A new Fig space in Downtown Lancaster!

Fig Central :  5 West King at the Heritage Museums at Market Square.

Visit the spot for all things Fig.

Fig T’s, Market bags, original letterpress cards and iconic Lancaster photography.

Live music by Hiram Ring.  Fig Cocktail samples from Chris Chamberlain. Coffee from Square One.

Take a fresh look at the art, architecture, history and local fare in the City of Lancaster.  5 – 9 pm

An artisan division of Moxie House, LLC

Custom designed greetings and invitations.

Available at Fig Central starting December 4

Trees Galore!

December 4- 20

A Lancaster Holiday Classic. Opening reception Dec 4 from 5-8 pm

717.394.3497 or www.Lmapa.org

Unveiling the new Red Umbrella Collection for 2009.
First Friday September 4. www.lizhess.com

Gail Gray. Artist’s Reception today and First Friday Oct 2, 5- 8 pm. Jazz and happy hour at adjacent John J. Jeffries. www.artshotelgallery.com