Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Hages & Lauren Cross.
Hi Robin & Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We met and started dating in 2016. Robin had been running a successful glass-blowing studio, “Spun Gallery” for over a decade. I had done my first few art shows and was beginning to find my voice as an artist. That year we spent most days working together – Robin blowing colorful glass and I working across from him on intricate ink and watercolor illustrations. We began to vend collaboratively at art fairs and music festivals. Combining our booths by mixing glass and illustration into unique vignettes. Together, our success led us to open our storefront “Artiques” in 2019. Now, almost 5 years later, we still spend most days working together, creating art, running a business, and dreaming up future projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of our biggest obstacles has been to find the balance between creating the artwork that we sell and running a busy retail store. Finding time to not only create but to also do the things we enjoy, is not always easy. It’s a give-and-take. This means that at points more of our time goes to the retail aspects of our business and less time goes to the creative parts. Now, almost 5 years in, we’ve found our rhythm.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our store is located on the shores of Lake Huron in the heart of downtown Lexington. We specialize in hand-blown glass, handmade illustrations, and vintage and unique home decor, which changes both weekly and seasonally. Robin has been blowing glass for over 20 years and in that time has developed his own unique style. At our store, you will see his colorful platters, vases, bowls, paperweights, ornaments, and shot glasses, among other things. My focus is in creating the whimsical illustrations which are featured on stickers, greeting cards, prints, and framed art. We also pride ourselves on creating unique displays and vignettes to showcase our offerings. Our historical brick building is also a work of art. It dates back to the 1800s and features plenty of charm, including its original tin ceiling. Being both the artists and curators of the store allows us to bring a viewpoint that is all our own. One in which our patrons can enjoy not only one-of-a-kind art but an experience. Our hope is that people leave our store feeling inspired and wanting more.
Any big plans?
Planning and dreaming of future projects is always fun, but there is also something beautiful about the unknown. Perhaps we will grow our brand, start a clothing line, create a book, make furniture, paint murals, and do big installations, or maybe none of that. Wherever we go, art and creating will always be a part of our journey… and that’s just the way that we want it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/spungallery/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artiquesoflexington/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artiquesoflexington/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/artiques-lexington
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cobblestonedaydreams/
