Get Arts & Crafty at The Art Project in Overton Square
Mom Julie Dunavant was looking for a fresh way to celebrate her daughter Elizabeth’s seventh birthday. As luck would have it, she spotted The Art Project on her way to Babalu, a popular restaurant just steps away in Overton Square.
The airy art space, located adjacent to the Square’s Tower Courtyard, is stylishly designed and welcoming to kids of all ages. Dunavant shared some ideas with the staff and her daughter’s party was a huge hit. Excited 7-year-olds kept busy doing spin art and tissue paper collage, thanks to Art Project assistants who are very hands-on.
“The kids loved it,” says Dunavant.
The Art Project is the brainchild of sisters Anna Vergos Blair and Katherine Vergos Riederer (Charlie Vergos of the Rendezvous restaurant is their grandfather). The two were inspired by their own children to found a kid-friendly place where creativity takes flight.
For $12, you can drop in and enjoy art free-play for an hour-and-a-half. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to participate. On one side of the room is a circular wall, lined on the inside with kid-sized easels and tables where children can sit and use paper, glue, markers, and glitter. Lots of glitter. The store’s assistants are all college graduates and many have studied art. They gladly lend a hand with suggestions and supplies to get makers started.
In the other half of the room are tables with art supplies, books for purchase, and a snack bar. The business currently caters to children, says staffer Heather Howle, but they are planning an adult night on Wednesdays ($15 with a college ID, you craft your own project). Art classes and family memberships are also available.
The Art Project, 2092 Trimble Place, 425-3434 • artprojectmemphis.com
UPDATED: April 2016
Party In the House: $245/12 kids ($12 per additional child) for 1 ½ hour birthday party. $425/18+ kids to rent entire space. The goods: Staffers organize a themed party (pirates, princesses) offering several crafts based on your child’s interests. You provide food and drink.
Breakfast, anyone? Staks! Pancake Kitchen brings smiles to morning diners
This new breakfast diner opened mid-September at Poplar and Perkins Extended (next to the Chili’s restaurant) and has already received rave reviews.
Step inside and you’ll find a bright, cheery place stylishly furnished with aqua booths and white chairs. But be warned, temptation lurks. There are Lemon Riccotta, Cinnamon Roll, even Birthday pancakes that come with sprinkles and a candle. If pancakes leave you flat, why not create your own omelet. There’s also French toast, salads, and sandwiches.
We like that Staks! uses locally-sourced foods, including house-cured bacon from Pocellino’s, all-natural pork sausage from Winchester Farm, and eggs from West Wind Farms. Breakfast never had it so good.
Staks! Pancake Kitchen — Stakspancakes.com 4615 Poplar Avenue • 509.2367 Open daily, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.