Adornments for the Soul
November 20, 2007 | 
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Alice Helstrom, co-owner of Helstrom Studios with her husband Ric, bases her life upon three simple premises: complete dedication to her work ethic, unconditional commitment to their collaborative dedication to the arts, and respect for the human spirit.
"I need to talk to people," Alice said, but when she "talks to people" the conversation might take place in Morocco, Thailand, India, Anatolia, or Turkey and beyond. The reason for Alice’s "talks" is that her life involves what Judy Frater described as concern for "Threads of Identity: Embroidery and Adornment", the meshing of culture, belief systems, and more, within the tangible elements of clothing and wardrobe magic.
The fundamentals of Alice’s career began with her studies in interior decorating, weaving, and beading, but the need to explore wider areas of ethnic-fashion-cum-artistry has led her to expand her search across international borders. Her "other vocation" of travel agent has facilitated this search, because she decided that a blending of fabric, weaving, accessories and culturally rich art objects could be made available to her clients only with "travelling to the source" of their production. And from here, the search to discover adornments for the soul begins.
Alice’s peregrinations have taken her to all points of the world. On each trip she unfailingly meets new friends, revisits old ones, and shares her expertise with fellow travelers who opt to join her as "co-buyers" in the bazaars, stalls, shops, and private homes they visit. Often the creators of the clothing and jewelry return as guests in her shop, showcasing what they themselves have created.
Alice’s primary focus remains "going to the source". She stresses that it is in company of the creators that she records the history of the adornments she will share with her clients. Never does Alice simply "sell the customer." She creates a vital connection between what she offers for sale, its creator, its history, and the buyer.
Alice dedicates herself to providing wearable art in comfortable sizes for her clients. She has replaced the "to measure" approach with one of wearing what enhances the body with color, texture, and just plain verve. Her bottom line is that when you dress yourself in her collection, "you smile when you wear it!"
Presently Alice and Ric are making another move to more appropriate quarters where they will be able to better control the quantity of their offerings. The reader need know that when Alice returns from a shopping trip, she invites her clients to attend her Open House, explore the wares, and find that special something that "speaks to them". We hope to inform our readers of her upcoming openings as they occur. (Look forward to our December issue when that information will be available.)
If you are lucky, Alice may just decide to offer for sale an item from her personal treasury. It is then that you feel as if you have established solid and inviolate connection with her sartorial magic. It is strong, true, and it makes you smile all over. Don’t walk, run to Alice’s next opening. You deserve the best, and your friends will know that you are when they see you.
Helstrom Studios
719-473-3620
M
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