Juneberry Studio & Marketplace
Emily Graf and Nikki Tupesis founded Juneberry to provide a place for makers to sell their creations.
Nikki Tupesis and Emily Graf started their Juneberry Studio & Marketplace inspired by a shared love of handmade things. They also found themselves coping with home-based businesses that were taking over their respective living spaces. Juneberry is a craft market as well as a place for makers to sell their wares in a comfortable, supportive setting.
Tupesis and Graf met at an elementary school craft fair, of all places.
"It's been a honeymoon ever since," says Tupesis.
Tupesis sews items that are utilitarian, playing with color to add flair. She recently developed her own line of fabrics that she uses to create both home and fashion accessories.
Graf specializes in what she calls the "functional art" of felt making. She has expanded her wearable art repertoire from hats to scarves and clothing. She even makes weather-safe bird houses out of felt.
Everything at Juneberry is one-of-a-kind and handmade by local artists. The majority of the products are functional: jewelry, scarves, sweaters and handbags as well as dishes, pillows, notecards and soap.
You don't have to spend much to take something home, although you can -- prices range from a few dollars to upwards of $1,200 for some of the fine art, including paintings. Most items are between $20 and $80.
"There are definitely impulse-buy type items, gifty items, investment pieces," says Graf.
The two started by "reaching out to friends who were emerging artists who wanted to give retail a shot," says Tupesis, adding that they have set up an artist-friendly consignment process. "We retain a soft spot for anyone who says, 'I've never done this before,' or has hidden talent," says Graf.
When new artists agree to sell in their shop, Tupesis and Graf warn them they might be busy. Oak + Olive, a local business that "upcycles" old furniture with new paint or upholstery, for example, sold several pieces through them before Juneberry officially opened in September.
Juneberry also has workspace, which Graf and Tupesis use during the day but make available for special events and workshops. A recent event included a wet felted hat workshop given by Graf on Oct. 26; stay alert for more.
Graf and Tupesis want kids as well as adults to feel comfortable being in the store. Plans are being hatched to host kids' craft classes, too.
Juneberry Studios & Marketplace
702 E. Johnson St., 312-925-7846
Tues.-Wed. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thurs. 2-8 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., or by appointment.