Windsor's Outlet For Your Art & Soul

Since opening the doors to her gallery and studio in 2005, Lis-el Crowley has made creating, teaching and showcasing art her business.

“I want to provide a place where people can explore their creativity,” she said.

That’s just what she does at Art & Soul Gallery where she offers a place for local artists to showcase their work, and classes are available to people of any skill level.

Crowley has been an artisan with a focus in pottery and jewelry for more than 30 years. Her favorite medium to work with and teach is previous metal clay, which is also one of the most popular classes at Art & Soul Gallery.

A wide variety of classes are offered at Art & Soul, ranging from the precious metal clay class to fused glass, enameling, wire wrapping, silver smithing and dying silk scarves.

“I’m always looking for new classes to offer,” Crowley said. “I like to offer one night classes with no long-term commitment. There’s instant gratification because you get to make a piece and bring it home that night.”

In her constant search for new and exciting classes to offer, Crowley first teaches herself the new skills. Often using online tutorials, books and even YouTube videos, Crowley studies the craft and techniques of others.

“I know how to take a little bit of information and make it easy to understand. My classes are not incredibly in depth,” Crowley said.

As a self-taught artisan, the skills required to create new art come naturally to her. If the new class is particularly different or requires a set of skills unfamiliar to her, she will seek out another instructor to teach the class.

“I don’t want to offer a class where people will be frustrated,” she said.

Classes listed on the website take place at a tentative time, but Crowley is willing to schedule private lessons or offer alternative times to classes.

It is not uncommon for customers to come back more than once for the same class.

“People who come like to come back,” Crowley said.

And for those who do make the return visit, Art & Soul offers a special thanks, taking 50-percent off the price of a class when it is retaken to brush up on technique, or just for fun.

“I work with people,” she said. “I want to make it possible for people to take advantage of what I have to offer.”

Also available is studio time for $5 per hour or $50 per month. This rental includes use of the studio space, tools and other equipment. The gallery also recently began selling equipment and tools.

In addition to the many classes available, Art & Soul Gallery offers custom pieces, a wide range of jewelry and pottery for sale, art books, gourmet coffee and tea and a friendly atmosphere. Select pieces are also available online.

Art & Soul Fine Art and Artisan Gallery is located at 645bb Poquonock Avenue in Windsor. Stores hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment or request more information, contact Lis-el Crowley at 860.688.4333 or lisel33@sbcglobal.net.