Located in a bungalow on the corner of Ozone Dr. and Louisiana Ave. in Saluda, Random Arts is an art supply store, gallery, artist workshop, boutique and gathering spot for artists, both local and international.

It is also the type of shop that requires a customer’s slow perusal, in order to absorb the variety of artwork, clothing, art supplies, accessories, jewelry-making supplies, books, fabrics, greeting cards and vintage home décor items for sale.

“This is my art community,” said Chet Chavez who lives near Saluda and attends workshops and classes on a regular basis at Random Arts.

“The reason I like this place – the reason it’s my community – is because people are helpful, nonjudgmental and supportive,” Chavez continued. Chavez had recently completed a drawing class, but other classes offered include collage, fiber work, beading, stamping, image transfers, watercolor, gesso, alcohol inks, book arts, stenciling, and more.

Jane Powell, owner, said that art students often call the shop and studio their “happy place.”

“It has good energy,” she said, about the eclectic store, with its bright orange door and a mannequin named Matilda on the front porch.  

Powell added an assortment of bohemian chic clothing to the shop two years ago, including the Kathmandu Imports, Gaiam, Goddess Gear and Sweet Sinammon lines.

“My target audience is creative people,” said Powell. “So I said, ‘Wouldn’t clothing be good for the shop?’ It has turned out to be a huge success.”

Powell, a former account executive in the mortgage industry from the Chicago area, is a mixed media artist and her works are on display throughout the store.

In business for 19 years in Saluda, three of those at the current location in the bungalow, Powell schedules workshops February through November, featuring artists from around the world, country and state. Workshop and sale information is available on www.randomartsnow.com or search Facebook for Random Arts.