Have You Met...Terry Henner?

Terry Henner recently opened Cool Bees in the old Kudzu Cottage, (4710 Highway 9) originally built in the early 1940's by Everett Bettis and his late wife, Louise.

Cool Bees is themed on arts in and around the community, providing a venue where artisans of all types can showcase and sell their work. The name Cool Bees originated from Henner's experience with beekeeping and her old habit of saying, "cool beans!" when she finds something unique. 

Little did Henner know when she set up her Cool Bees shop, Everette Bettis would become her friend and some of his late wife's artwork would epitomize the meaning of "cool" that every art venue strives to emanate.

One morning as Henner was preparing her shop to open, she heard a knock at the door. "I opened the door, and there stood a nice gentleman who extended his hand and said 'Hello, my name is Everett Bettis and I built this house for my wife in the early 1940’s when we got married. My wife designed the whole house. She was very creative."

Henner remembers the moment she knew Everette would become a great friend.

"He asked if he could show me a photo of Louise. Of course, I said yes and as I looked, Everette said he'd been married to the most beautiful woman God ever let walk this earth and that he missed her every day after 66 years of marriage. He started to cry. Then I started to cry," explains Henner.

Over the next few days, Everette showed Henner his late wife's own artwork and crystal collection. Coincidentally, Loiuse had one stipulation for selecting her crystal pieces. Each one had to have a bee engraved in it. (Now that's what you call "cool bees.")

Currently, Cool Bees boasts the work of 30 artists. Among the treasures are some of Louise Bettis' creations, which can be found in each room of the house she'd designed so long ago.

"This house becomes funkier by the minute and I love it!" says Henner. "I told Everette I think it's pretty darn cool to showcase art from the original artist who lived in the house. Not to mention an artist who loved bees!"

Henner also sells the honey her bees have made. It's a good idea to call ahead, because Henner has been as busy as a bee trying to keep the honey in stock. 

In September, Henner will be a sponsor in A Woman's Life Expo held by The Garden of Empowerment. The expo showcases women-owned businesses as well as businesses and services dedicated to women's well-being.  

In October, Cool Bees will be opening an art studio adjoining the house. Local artists will teach classes including byob canvas painting classes, jewelry making, tye dye, and more.

Cool Bees is more than a must see shop. It's a better get buzzing over there shop because something new arrives each day.

If you're an artist looking for exposure, a venue and a chance to sell your creations, contact Cool Bees at 770-871-9271.