You can learn how to create your own art at this shop in downtown Belleville
If ever there was a place that could make me really miss my college days in the art department, it would be Weave & Wobble.
I paid a visit to the business, now open in its new location at 122 E. Main St. in Belleville, and met the owner, Nicole Shanks.
Shanks said they “do pottery, textile and design,” offering classes for anyone interested in learning to create their own art, whether they’re total newbies, current students or experienced artists.
An artist herself with a masters in fine art from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Shanks eased her way into her current business.
As she created her own art, friends would ask her to teach them. First it was pottery. Then came the weaving.
By then, teaching wasn’t new to Shanks. She’s worked as an instructor at multiple colleges, covering ceramics, art history, design and drawing. She instructed yoga classes too.
(She even spoke like a teacher, or at least like someone used to addressing an audience, during my visit.)
At first, Shanks taught the classes at her Belleville home. She ended up teaching loom weaving in her garden.
Shanks said her husband, Randy Shanks, asked her what she was going to do later in the year when it snows. She said he felt she needed a commercial space to teach.
So Weave & Wobble opened in Belleville’s Shoppes at the Olde Towne Mall at 310 E. Main St. last June.
Shanks said she planned to be there for two or three years but outgrew the space in just six months.
The new location has plenty of space for Weave & Wobble to continue growing.
And the new classes being offered may well help with that.
Available classes include pottery (wheel and hand-building), encaustic (hot wax) painting, knitting, crocheting, weaving and soap making (which I’ve never done, but I know a guy. I’m talking about you, Doug Coggeshall.).
In addition to the classes, visitors to the shop will find local handmade gifts like L&N Soap Company soaps, wallets made from vintage fabrics, candles and crocheted animals (super cute!).
Works by Shanks and some of her local artist friends are on display and available for purchase. Pieces include ceramics, glasswork, oil paintings and custom pet portraits.
Those who are into knitting and crochet can find needles and a variety of yarns (merino wool, cotton/bamboo blends, etc.).
Shanks said she hopes to soon have pottery tool kits available for area students.
She’s also hoping to hold a grand opening in April, when the weather’s nicer. Shanks is planning to include door prizes and giveaways for the occasion. She added that April is also her and her dog’s birthday month, so festivities all around.
As I walked around the shop taking photos, I kept thinking about my time as an art student (especially with that floor loom in the middle of the shop) many moons ago.
I took art classes in multiple areas including ceramics, oil painting, weaving & textiles, metalsmithing and drawing. And even if I wasn’t always very good at some of it, I enjoyed every minute.
I miss it. I may have to sign up for a few classes at Weave & Wobble.
Weave & Wobble is located at 122 E. Main St., Belleville. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday, noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. They are closed Tuesday and Sunday.
For more info, call 618-670-9625 or visit facebook.com/WeaveanWobble.
