Just Opened

Square Peg Artery and Salvage

by Mark Maurer

Grand opening Fri., Aug. 15, 6-9 p.m., free; open Tue.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., 108 S. 20th St., myspace.com/squarepegarteryandsalvage, squarepegartery@gmail.com

At age 34, Rachel Parker is officially putting her two art school degrees to use. On Friday, she'll unlock the doors to her new arts and crafts store, Square Peg Artery and Salvage.

Parker envisions Square Peg as a cozy and accessible mom-and-pop shop. The store will showcase a mix of handmade and re-imagined goods, aka "stuff people found in the trash and rehashed." One of her current consigners makes lamps out of skateboards, and other merchandise includes soaps, photos, note cards, stained glass, and knit and crocheted items. And even though she holds BSAs from Chicago's Art Institute and the International Academy of Merchandising & Design, Parker plans to host in-store "I Wish I Were in Art School" critique nights for those looking to get some constructive, honest feedback.

As she looks to expand her roster of artists, Parker is excited to help customers buy local and handmade goods. "It's a chance to get away from market-oriented décor and do something more unique," she says. The grand opening Friday will feature a reception for Square Peg's first gallery exhibit, oils and watercolors by her grandfather, local artist and designer Paul Parker.