Gifted Hands

This is such a Wonderful store… on so many levels. First off, the artists are talented and there are all kinds of art AND styles of art — from painting, glass work, print making, fiber and metal art, jewelry and So Much More — that you will be able to suit every taste, interest or passion when you are shopping for yourself or for a gift. Better yet, the over 30 artists at Gifted Hands are ALL Local Kansas City area people. So your purchases will go into the local economy and support local artists. But if you need even more incentive to shop at Gifted Hands, a mission of the store is to prevent domestic abuse and a portion of the sale price of every item is set aside for this important cause.
There are items for sale in every price range from under $ 10 to over $ 1,000. I was very intrigued by the items made of felt such as purses, head bands, zippered pouches and felt necklaces and pins to put on a jacket or scarf. I found out that these were produced by a cooperative group, since there was so much work involved and the final products are spectacular. I couldn’t resist getting a small zippered purse in a lovely shade of lavender with a variety of flower cutouts in six different colors. (a Beautiful piece and such a nice early birthday gift to ME!) It had a small tag attached to the zipper that says «Surya Shakti».
I also admired the marvelous glass sun catchers made by Dave & Valerie Phillips. They have glorious colors and shapes and several included some small depression glass dishes as part of the designs; in one case even a charming little white milk glass lid complete with handle.
I’ve been in twice within a couple of weeks and found many new items displayed on my second visit. The sales clerk at the counter said that new items come in frequently so I have the feeling I’ll be making monthly jaunts down there to keep an eye out for new «pretties». If you are stuck for a gift for a special friend or relative you might want to check out Gifted Hands. You are bound to find something that is just right and will probably come home with something for yourself as well.

Gifted Hands is a gallery, a studio and an abuse awareness forum for women — it is the product of Vickie Ellison’s moving story about how she transformed traumas and tragedies into prevention through art. As a first-​time visitor, I wasn’t aware if its mission and I had no idea what the whole idea of the gallery was about.
A nice clean gallery on the third floor of Crown Center, tucked away from the main halls and crowds that dominate the first two levels — Gifted Hands presents paintings, jewelry, hand-​painted glassware, pottery, and other creative expressions by local artists.
Before I knew the message behind the art — I simply walked through the gallery, hardly reading the names of the artists and barely talking to the woman at the front desk, who had handed me a brochure as I walked in but I had tucked it away without reading it — and only later when I pulled it out again would I discover Vicki’s mission to prevent domestic abuse. But before this, I saw some moving abstract canvases and modern furniture. I wasn’t a fan of the crocheted hats, but most of it I found charming and perfect for the scene.
And tucked away in the back, I saw a darkened entry that lead deep into the artists studio (where I would later find out the young women work on their art) and illuminated were the many works of the teens, the painted vases and ceramics, benches, plates, sculptures, etc.
40 percent of the artist’s work purchased in the gift shop, goes directly to this nonprofit gift shop/​gallery helping to continue educating teenage women about abuse. The art ranges from $ 200 to $ 1,200 (but mostly fall somewhere in the middle or less)
Had I known it at the time I was shopping, perhaps I would have purchased a necklace or something — there are many affordable pieces on sale aside from paintings that would make beautiful and practical gifts for a loved one, especially a woman.