CICERO — When COVID put the damper on craft shows, artist and animal activist Dawn Brocious found herself without an outlet for her handmade jewelry. Fortunately, her friend Heather Micale approached her with an idea. Micale was planning to open a boutique in Cicero to showcase the work of local artists and give back to charitable causes.
“She said, ‘We need something really special,’” Brocious recalled. “It was a lot of work, a lot of planning.”
Uniquely Yours Salon & Boutique opened last year, and earlier this summer Brocious officially unveiled the Brown Feather & Me art gallery within the boutique.
“I’ve always wanted to have a shop where I could showcase my creations and I thought it was a good thing for the community,” she said.
Brown Feather & Me offers local artists and artisans a place to showcase and sell their work.
Brocious also holds monthly events to benefit local animal rescues. Tina Schuyler hosted a rock painting workshop Aug. 21, and a July 24 event allowed patrons to meet Gertie’s Small Dog Rescue.
A medium once informed Brocious that her animal guide is an owl named Brown Feather, so she named the gallery after him.
“He sits on my shoulder and infuses me with wisdom,” she said. “Brown Feather is the brains of the operation here.”
Currently, 11 creators are displaying their wares at Brown Feather & Me. The offerings range from paintings and pottery to crochet and quilts.
“We currently have everything from paintings to gemstone jewelry to handmade wooden [items] … A little bit of everything, I guess,” Brocious said.
Artists can rent a space in the shop to display their work in three-month increments. Each week, Brocious features a different artist.
“Everybody’s got a gift and everybody’s got something that they’re good at,” Brocious said.
The gallery is building a following among customers and artists alike, Brocious said.
“Everything has been very positive. People love the idea. They love being able to come in and find unique, handmade gifts that you can’t go to the big box stores and find,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of repeat customers already. … I’ve met some amazing people.”
As the stress of current events and COVID-19 continues, Brocious is tapping into the healing power of art.
“When you get in touch with your creative side, it truly brings joy into your life,” she said, “and especially now we need joy.”
Uniquely Yours and Brown Feather & Me are located at 8344-8346 Brewerton Road in Cicero next to Frank’s Plank Road Cafe. To learn more, visit uniquelyyourswithbrownfeatherandme.com.
