Welcome Back, Serendipity!
December 19, 2007 | 
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"It all started 50 years ago in Manitou Springs." That’s how John Eastham began his story about his love affair with art and whimsy. Thanks to John’s conversation with The Record+ we now can share his story with our readers.
His story began 50 years ago in Manitou Springs. That was a time when John Eastham, Colorado College senior majoring in art history, stepped into the role of shopkeeper and collector of unique collectibles. Taking his cue from his father and brother, he apprenticed for two years and settled into his Tejon Street digs for what he thought would be the duration of his collectible experience.
Before setting up shop, however, John’s career took him to Scandinavia in the early 60’s where he promptly fell in love with the beauty of Danish and Swedish crystal. Professor Oiva Toikka was, and still is, his hero. In the late 60’s he discovered Japanese and Folk pottery and again surrounded himself with an array of glass, wood, and stone works that people came to see and take home.
"It’s a joy to unpack these shipments," John said. "My house looks like the store, and my philosophy is really simple. If I don’t sell it, I’ll just take it home!"
Taking his beloved objects home is not an easy task, however. John chooses to change his abode every five years or so. "It is more interesting that way," he told us. The moves inspire him to rearrange his collectibles and never become tired of them.
John describes his present home as "a yellow and white creation" where he feels as if he "is living inside an egg." Surrounded by his things, life becomes a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, textures, and plain joy, but nothing satisfies him more than sharing his passion for art and whimsy with his customers.
Many of John’s original customers return faithfully each year to search for that special seasonal gift or memento. The greatest fun they have is learning the story behind the gifts. John shares everything he knows about the design, composition, and vintage of just about everything in his shop.
"Whimsical and serious is my mark" he told us. There is "always something for that special person" among the rows of color- and theme- coordinated objets d’art. There are, however, unique creations that stand alone above the crowd.
"I’d like you to meet Donna," John beamed. Donna is John’s special friend and companion at the shop (see photo). She’s a lovely wooden reindeer who serves multiple purposes. Standing reindeer-guard at the door, she boasts candles on her antlers, and is very much a unique conversation piece. "The person who takes Donna home will be lucky indeed," John said. "She is the only reindeer of her kind that I have seen in any herd." She is totally in harmony with the sense of delight and discovery that John has created at The Whickerbill.
John keeps his customers’ shopping comfort in mind when setting up business hours. Allowing for relaxing wake-up time, his shop is open from 11 AM to 6 PM, and he does provide unique wrapping service for those who enjoy an additional touch of elegance without an additional dip into the pocketbook.
"It’s all about customers and good friends," John told us. "It’s what I do with my days, and I am so glad to be in Manitou Springs where it all began."
We are happy that John Eastham has decided to come out of retirement after a short respite. We look forward to meeting his new friends and winsome creatures so that Donna, the reindeer, will be in good company, and we can find that special gift for the people whose friendship we treasure. We may even decide to gift ourselves as well!
742 Manitou Avenue
719-685-1540
- M
Adornments for the Soul
November 20, 2007 | Email This Post
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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.
Diwali Celebration in Colorado Springs
November 20, 2007 | Email This Post
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The Asian Indian community of Colorado Springs recently celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights. Here is a scene from a performance of a South Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam, choreographed by Bonmayuri Kalita of Colorado Springs. Bonmayuri teaches Indian classical dances of Bharatanatyam and Sattriya in Colorado Springs. If you or your kids want to learn any of these dances, please contact her at (719) 574 3656. Photograph by Bindu Amrapali.
The Flute Player continues his song..
September 17, 2007 | Email This Post
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When John Edwards took a notion to take a class in marketing, little did he know that this decision would change his life and that of his community. John was transitioning from military life to civilian life then, taking a major step from military foreign language specialist to private entrepreneur. It seemed so simple and yet such a drastic change of lifestyle.
John took another significant step, following his marketing studies with a life-changing apprenticeship with a colleague who introduced him to the world of Native American culture and life.
“I discovered that Native American art is a way of representing life, a way of viewing the world,” he said during our interview. “True Southwestern Art can only be created here. Everything else is pure imitation.”
John’s apprenticeship took him across the Southwest for long buying trips that never failed to surprise him. Trading posts, Native American Pow Wows, new friends, and trusted families provided him with what would become staples of his business. “Business was learning about art, and the artists who create this art,” John said. “My customers want to know about the people who made this wonderful art. I make it my business to tell them so they can share it with others as well.
When John and his wife Linda took the next significant step in their personal vision quest and purchased The Flute Player Gallery in Old Colorado City, there was no going back. John continued on his buying trips while Linda tended the shop, creating an invitational atmosphere to house the prize-winning art pieces that John had collected in his travels. Among the artists featured at The Flute Player are masters whose works are featured at the Smithsonian in Washington, D. C. and beyond. Others are up and coming artists who are “making a name for themselves right now.”
“We have a great variety of things here, and they are not all expensive,” John added. “That’s because fine art does not have to be extremely costly.” Linda seconded John’s comment with one of her own. “John enjoys finding a good bargain, and he passes it on to his customers. That’s why our customers have become our extended family, you might say.”
Both John and Linda pride themselves on sharing what they know with others. Many customers have begun as novice collectors and go on to become fine collectors in their own right. John and Linda go on buying trips together now, but they leave the shop in the hands of trusted colleagues who share their love for the art and a know-how to present it to the public. They have created a twenty-plus year success story because they invite others to explore the Native American view of the world.
“This is what I truly enjoy,” John commented. “Sharing the beauty of this special world with people who respect it and believe it must be treasured.”
The Flute Player Gallery is a delight for people of all ages, artistic sophistication, and taste. One can find vintage pieces that were all the rage decades ago as well as the “hits” of this year’s Indian Market. John will tell you all you want to know about each piece, make no mistake about that.
“Indian Art can be read the way you read a history book,” John said. “It keeps evolving, changing, and delighting those who take the time to look.” Baskets, rugs, pottery, fetishes, jewelry, sculptures, and the list goes on, have found a special niche at John and Linda’s shop. “Customers come in, but they leave as friends,” Linda said.
You will find The Flute Player gallery at 2511 West Colorado Avenue. Telephone 719-632-7702. John and Linda will ensure that you are among new friends, and always, the best company in town.
By Margaret Mistry. Photos by the author
Everybody Welcome!
September 17, 2007 | Email This Post
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Everybody Welcome: A Celebration of Cultural Diversity took place on August 18th in downtown Colorado Springs between 10 AM and 6 PM. Many cultural events took place in the downtown area in several locations: Acacia Park, City Auditorium, Kiowa Street between Nevada and Weber, and Weber Street between Bijou and Kiowa. The first in a proposed annual event was put together by Colorado Springs Diversity Forum to celebrate the cultural diversity that exists in the beautiful city of Colorado Springs. There were music, dances, crafts, food, information booths and lectures showcasing the wonders of diversity that make Colorado Springs a welcoming place for everyone. The mission of the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum is to “work to create opportunity for our citizens to appreciate the rich diversity in our community and communicate that appreciation to those inside and outside our community.” The festival on August 18th definitely is a positive step toward meeting the objectives outlined in this mission statement.
By Jugal Kalita. Photos by Bonmayuri Kalita
