Localista: The Crislip Arcade Alive & Well

The Localista was a bit saddened to read the St. Petersburg Times' recent report about the Crislip Arcade. I’d prefer to focus on the “re-renaissance” that’s taking place, which is why I first told you about ‘Ramblin Rose that represents second generation local shop ownership in the Arcade. That same week Rosey Williams opened her “Upcycled” boutique, one of my favorite artists in the ‘Burg, Jennifer Kosharek, also opened the subject of today's Localista report, eve-N-odd gallery. 

This brilliant gallery features affordable whimsical, outsider, folk, Etsy, mail, fluxus, emo and handmade art. As a mail artist, Jennifer has connected with so many people all over the world. This special art of hers – connecting people – means that you won’t just find local artists in her gallery (such as faves Calan Ree & Coralette Damme – aka The Crafty Hag and new find, Wade Slater), but also national and international artists including Gus Fink, Best of Show winner at last year’s Folkfest, and David Berube.  Her worldwide links mean we get to connect with art we’ve probably never seen before.



Jennifer moved to St. Pete when she was five and, having found her love for art, completed the arts program at Gibbs High School before receiving her bachelor's degree in Texas. After a stint working overseas as an art teacher to children with mental disabilities in Amman, Jordan, she spent some time spent in Arkansas before finally making her way back to St. Pete.

For 11 years, she was a stay-at-home mom to three children but continued with her art and began making jewelry she sold at the now defunct Reciprocity. Yet, she credits the shop’s owner, Eve Baker, for giving her one of her first breaks and letting her keep 100% of what she sold. One of her next breaks was when she walked into Cherie's Eklectika, the shop that used to occupy BellaBrava's new spot, with some rag dolls she’d made. Cherie’s daughter, Maya, fell in love with them, especially the “Gretchen” doll, which is now one of Jennifer’s signature items. Her biggest break came when she was given a chance to sell her work at the Morean Arts Center’s gift shop and have her own show in December which was the catalyst for opening eve-N-odd gallery! 

When she had originally heard that Art On Central, where she sold some of her items, might be closing for good was the point at which Jennifer felt it was sink or swim time–so she chose to swim!

Join Jennifer at the group art show, “birds of a feather fly together,” at eve-N-odd gallery this Saturday from 7-10pm (it’s Gallery Walk night!). A portion of sales will benefit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.  

The Localista always asks business owners what was their favorite book as a child. Jennifer’s was Where the Red Fern Grows, which she admits is a sad book, but she was a “serious child.”

eve-N-odd gallery is located at 645 Central Avenue #11 in Downtown St. Pete and is open Mon – Fri from 9 am to 5 pm
727-251-6458
www.eve-N-odd.com
http://eve-n-odd.blogspot.com

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This story is contributed by:

“The Localista,” aka Olga Bof, will be opening her own local independent business, Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys, later this year in Downtown St. Pete (www.facebook.com/cheekymonkeysbooks for updates).

Photography by Featured Artist of the Burg (FAB) Sheri Kendrick of Enchanted Forest Photography.

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