New shop specializes in costume jewelry, art classes
Andrea Robinson works on a painting at the Bling Shack last week.
By CHRIS PETERSON
Hungry Horse News
Andrea Robinson has been painting since she was 7.
The Columbia Falls native now is sharing her artistic talents in a variety of business ventures. Recently she had a Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for her store, 406 Bling Shack. She has also been teaching folks how to paint through her other business, Montana Art and Soul.
The Bling Shack, located in the Circle Plaza on Nucleus Avenue, specializes in costume jewelry, where everything is $5. All of it is lead and nickel free. The store features hand painted hats, keychains and hairbands in addition to jewelry. It’s a joint venture with her sister, Keely Cunningham.
Robinson also runs Montana Art and Soul out of the store. Robinson teaches folks painting skills either individually or in groups. The group sessions are usually “paint and sip” events, where she supplies the paints and brushes, and the client supplies their own beverage of choice.
They then get together and paint a specific scene or person. Robinson likes to paint gnomes and other characters and she shows her clients how to do the same thing. They also do landscapes and other themes, including wildlife.
“Flowers are some of my favorites,” she said.
Robinson says she enjoys the videos of other artists like the late Bob Ross.
Her work is often seen around town. She paints windows during the holidays and also does face painting at the Columbia Falls Community Market.
The 406 Bling Shack is open Tuesday and Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The paint and sips are in the evenings, usually Friday and Saturday nights.
She’s also hosting a youth art camp Aug. 2, 7 and 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn more at montanaartandsoul.com or through her Montana Art and Soul Facebook page or 406 Bling Shack Facebook page.