Lakewood,NY
Brick Elephant Design in Lakewood is hosting a free Sip, Savor and Explore event on Thursday, November 12 at the Design Warehouse located at 9 W. Summit Street from 4-8pm. Join and gather with artists for a relaxed evening and explore the stories behind the collection of antiques, modern design and antique artifacts while enjoying wines with flavor profiles from vineyards near and far. The event will also have 50 Free giveaways valued at over hundreds of dollars.
Laurie Shults is owner, founder and artist of Brick Elephant Design and I Am Kind Warrior, an interior and exterior design business, retail showroom, and home goods boutique. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know the community and exploring this creative side to design,” says Laure. “I’m excited for this next chapter.”
The event will take place at Laurie’s 6500 square foot DESIGN WAREHOUSE, encompassing everything from artifacts, antiques, new and one-of-a-kind furniture, clothing, toys, jewelry, gifts and most importantly a focus on intentional living. “It’s really quite an interesting combination of unique treasures,” explains Laurie. Wine tastings will be available along with hundreds of dollars in free giveaways. “I’m taking this as an opportunity to clear out some of my inventory, and what better way than to share the community. I’m grateful for the support over the years, and this is one way I’m hoping to share that gratitude.”
Laurie will be showcasing her paintings at the event, officially launching the painting side of her artistic career here in the Lakewood community and one of the interludes into expanding her I Am Kind Warrior Branding. “It means the world for me to be surrounded by the community that has supported my design studio all these years, and even more so as I move into a more Soul-Centric focus” says Laurie. “I’m looking forward to sharing my most recent paintings and hoping, that I can bring something of humor, emotion, movement and thoughtfulness to each piece and that it inspires. If even just a chuckle, or a pause, then our time will be well spent. It is a realized dream to be able to do this and welcome the opportunity for it to be a moment of joy and engagement in others people’s homes and beloved spaces.”
Over the past year, Laurie decided to further explore her artistic endeavors through painting. “I’ve always enjoyed painting,” says Laurie. “I decided to take a leap of faith and dive deeper in my painting; it has brought me such happiness and appreciation that I have returned home to the magic in everyday life. I’m proud to have had a successful first showing in Georgia, and I’m looking forward to showcasing more of my work at this event. It makes it incredibly meaningful to share with my hometown community.”
Laurie plans to continue to paint and delve deeper into the Arts while she expands her I Am Kind Warrior branding, and in doing so reconfigure the space to showcase more local artists, including a tailor, and furniture maker, focusing on intentional design, or as she puts it “Aligning Self with Surroundings” her expanding brands tag line. “I’ve always been intentional about my selections for the shop, but this is different,” explains Laurie. “I plan to focus on supporting artists with whom I feel a connection and whose values align with my artistic endeavors. It’s been an organic progression and I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Laurie admits that it has taken courage and bravery to take this leap of faith towards her fine arts career in painting. “It’s hard to stop the daily routine,” explains Laurie. “When you’ve found a way to make a living, that you enjoy, it takes courage and faith to try something new and step into the unknown. For me it was literally the definition of believing and proving to myself I could do it. I took the leap and I couldn’t be happier, and I encourage anyone who has a similar pull, a voice whispering to try something they enjoy, to listen and find a way to make it happen. We’re never too old to try something new; you can build a life you love.”
For more information, visit BrickElephantDesign.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram. Laurie invites everyone to come to the Sip, Savor and Explore event on Thursday, November 12 from 4-8pm at 9 W. Summit Street in Lakewoo