HUBBUB is a remarkable shopping experience – it’s meant to savor. The creative touch of owner Rebecca Staebler begins with the display windows and flows through the entire space of an historic 1910 storefront in the ‘hub’ of Centralia. The official anniversary party is Friday November 14 from 4-8 p.m., but it’s a bit of a celebration whenever you stop in.
The gift boutique features American handcraft, which are goods from studio artists who use materials like wood, glass, ceramics, textiles and even recycled or upcycled materials. They reinforce the idea that what you use every day ought to be beautiful as well as functional. The store is filled with contemporary, innovative, colorful, and often delightful items from home décor to women’s clothing, carefully selected greeting cards and stylish shoes.
“I fell in love with American handcraft,” Staebler says, and she saw the need for a fun place to shop and buy art. That led to opening her own store (after 20 years in publishing) that highlights pieces from artists whom she had gotten to know from attending craft shows. “Every piece has a story,” and she knows each one. These relationships allow her to give buyers a more intimate look into the making and meaning of their work.
The interior design is all Staebler’s style with curving counters and unique light fixtures. The repaired floor-to-ceiling brick walls add to the welcoming atmosphere. She owns the lot adjacent to the building, which has been transformed to a park with seating. Three large art pieces (made from former propane tanks), once homed at the Monarch Sculpture Park, have since been refurbished and reinstalled.
People may be surprised to find that buying local is not necessarily more expensive than shopping online. It keeps more of your dollars within your community. HUBBUB provides personal service and a business that is invested in the well-being of the community. Of course, you get to touch and try-on things, too!
Get in on the festivities with HUBBUB’s one-of-a-kind purses, wearable art and creative (and mailable) gifts. You’ll likely want an extra for yourself. Friday’s party continues on Saturday, the single sale of the year, with treats, photo ops and more. For more information – HUBBUB- Art for Everyday
For Additional Information
HUBBUB
hubbubshop.com
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS