Wonder South Journal & Dry Goods recently announced their partnership with holistic physician Dr. Leone Elliott Jr. and the Healthcare Gallery & Wellness Spa, a handcrafted goods store opening in Baton Rouge from May.
Wonder South produces a periodical journal of collected works by “photographers, writers, designers and explorers of the ‘Deeper South,’” according to their mission statement.
The organization’s goal is to foster community experiences in Baton Rouge through nature and creativity and “encourage daily adventure,” a mission which is being further realized through their partnership with the Healthcare Gallery & Wellness Spa.
The store will be located inside the Healthcare Gallery & Wellness Spa at 3488 Brentwood Drive, suites 102 and 103.
Starting May 6, products made by ceramicist Osa Atoe, leather and canvas designer Damien Mitchell, wood-carved jewelry maker Molly Taylor, as well as other Louisiana-made products will be available for purchase during regular store hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and during special events.
“Our gallery has been inextricably tied to the makers in our community since its inception,” Elliott Jr. said in a press release. “[Our] collaboration with Wonder South is our way of giving back to these makers with a platform to showcase their beautiful, well-crafted work with the community they call home.”
Wonder South founders Jeffrey Roedel and Jeffrey Beck say that this collaboration helps to show the people of Baton Rouge the value of local artists and how it can strengthen the community.
All of the artists, whose goods will be featured at Wonder Shop, work with some kind of raw materials. Molly Taylor works with a variety of woods, Damien Mitchell works with leather and Osa Atoe works with red clay.
“My pottery combines the earthiness of raw terracotta with the smooth glossiness of glaze into a functional piece that can be used daily,” Atoe said. “I love the task of figuring out ways to make beautiful things that also work well.”
Atoe’s desire to create beautiful yet functional pieces also rings true for wood-carved jewelry maker Taylor.
“I make jewelry out of each piece of wood that I come across,” Taylor said in a press release. “I strive to make each piece of wood durable and long lasting for each client.”
On May 6, The Healthcare Gallery & Wellness Spa will hold a grand opening reception amidst their quarterly arts event. The May exhibit, “The Exploration of Line,” will feature the work of Steve Martin, a New Orleans-based artist.
“We have been made to be makers,” Beck said. “To enhearten others to follow the path of making is to strengthen the collective community by giving a face to the inspiration, process, artistry, and in the end, the creation.”