The Shop Automotive, LLC

On September 3rd, three friends and highly experienced dealership technicians (Mercedes and Infinity Certified) bought Highland Auto-works from Adli Yacoub to start their own automotive partnership. The partners are Jeremy Sanchez, Jerry Hesch and Matt Buckingham. Jerry’s wife manages the books and you will often find Jeremy and Matt’s spouses helping out with scheduling. The shop services automotive needs in the general Huning Highland community which includes Presbyterian Hospital and CNN. Clients will be able to make prior arrangements for a pick-up, or drop-off depending on available time. The repair shop is conveniently located on the corner of Coal and the southern ingress to I-25, The three partners stand behind their collective mechanical skills and guarantee their work. They can be reached at 620-3007

Welcome to the neighborhood. 

Cheapskate, 500 High St SE

Cheapskate is a place to get unique gifts for friends, family, and self. Owner/proprietor, Megan Raloff, opened doors recently at the garage on Coal, behind her house at 500 High St. SE. Inspired by the crafts and decorative items that round out our lives and homes, Megan has searched afield in her quest to bring you stylish and useful “stuffs for your home.” Though the new storefront is small (only 240 square feet), Cheapskate can still afford an eyeful. From home crafted pillows to neighborhood artist’s paintings, jewelry, bags, ceramics, metals, and woodcrafts, you need to stop by to discover Cheapskate’s various and sundry for yourself. With many thanks to the neighborhood for its support, Cheapskate is so happy to be here! 

Open Thursday through Sunday, 11-7 

Phone (505) 750-0227 or email

meganraloff@cheapskateabq.com

Building Blocks—The Octopus & The Fox

by Karla Thornton

The Octopus and the Fox at 514 Central Ave. SE (open Mon. – Sat. 11:00 am – 7:00 pm) is the invention of four women who all have a passion for the handmade. They all have independent businesses of their own but wanted to be able to support each other and showcase the works of talented local artist and designers from the Albuquerque area. The grand opening of their small boutique was 2/11/11. They sell locally handmade fash- ion, gifts, art, and more. In addition to the handmade items, they also have a vintage section.

The four women who own the Octopus and the Fox are Jessi Murphy Blevins Campbell, Belita Orner, Kimberly Patel, and Loryn Udell. Jessi has transferred her established sewing studio “The Chop Shop” to the new space. (www.chop-shopcostumes. com). Belita does screen printing and makes gifts and accessories form recycled sweaters.  Kimberly is the creator of Sugarsnap, which is ready to wear women’s fashion and accessories made from the loudest, boldest, brightest prints that she can find. Loryn also makes screen printed t-shirts inspired by old North American monster legends and folklore. She makes handmade dolls of the same realm.

They have converted the gallery space in the back of the store to a studio where they hold classes. Jessi teaches sewing classes to all levels in everything from garment reconstruction to costume making. Kimberley also offers sewing classes. Belita teaches screen printing. Her lessons include everything you need to know about building your own screen and printing your own t-shirts and accessories. By the summer, they hope to have a monthly schedule of classes available on their website and in the store. They also plan to bring in outside teachers who can teach classes on the handmade arts.

The owners of The Octopus and the Fox chose our neighborhood because they think it is amazing. “We love the foot traffic, and everyone has been really kind and supportive of us. Everything is wonderful and walkable, and it feels like a little community of its own.”

Readers should know that they are always looking for new art, fashion, gifts, and more. Info can be obtained by emailing theoctopusandthefox@gmail.com. They plan to feature new artists and designers every few months and they get new inventory weekly.

Please join me in welcoming The Octopus and the Fox to our neighborhood.

Know of a new business that has recently opened or will be opening soon? Please let me know via email & I will try to feature them in a newsletter.
email: kthornton@salud.unm.edu

Lindsay Ferreira & Her “Living Room”

Huning Highlands is now home to “The Living Room,” Lindsay Ferreira’s lifestyle gallery on North Edith Street. Lindsay is an award winning mixed-media and hot glass artist who has lived and traveled throughout the country, studying and showing art. Her sculptures are featured in galleries throughout the southwest, including Madrid, Scottsdale and now the Kiva Fine Art Gallery in Santa Fe.

Click to read more ...

Panda—ROBOT

by Karla Thornton

Leslie Acosta-Isengard (Leslie Ai) opened Panda-Robot on June 1, 2010. Panda-ROBOT is a great new boutique and gallery which features locally designed clothes, jewelry and many other forms of local art. The main focus of the shop is for local artists to be able to showcase their talent. She is very committed to the local art scene and has already had one great opening this summer.

When asked why she chose our neighborhood to open a business she said, “The neighborhood felt right. I saw people walking that looked like my target customers so I knew it was right. Also, my father grew up in this neighborhood so it has a home feel.” She said her favorite things about the neighborhood are the diversity in the people and the beautiful houses. She also said, “The history really appealed to me, it seemed to have the right demographic for the appreciation of local businesses.”

When asked what she thought would make the neighborhood better she said, “I think this neighborhood is amazing just the way it is. I think having a grocery store we can walk to down here would create a walking community feel and help the neighborhood feel more homely.” Leslie Ai and Panda-ROBOT are a great new addition to our neighborhood. She says, “I appreciate the support of all our neighbors and I am more than willing to help however necessary to give back to this neighborhood.” My kids love the store and we have been over there many times to buy gifts and just enjoy the art. Please join me in welcoming Panda-ROBOT to our neighborhood.

Panda Robot  514 Central Ave. SE  www.Panda-ROBOT.com

Hours: Tues 1 – 7:00 pm; Wed 1 – 5 pm; Thurs – Sat 1 – 7 pm

If you know of a new business that has recently opened or will be opening soon, please let me know and I will try to feature them in a newsletter. The best way to contact me is through e-mail: kthornton@salud.unm.edu