The Texas Art Asylum is not right for everyone.
Point:
“This is probably the coolest little store in this city. I had a great time just looking at all the various items, and I like the whole concept of “reclaimed materials”–these are materials that would otherwise have been discarded (not surprising in this society).
An interesting side note: I bought a bag of pens marked “Hey they all work”, but much to my surprise there was a pencil inside the bag. I returned this pencil to the very nice girl there, and was glad I stopped by. The charcoal I bought is going to good use (as well as the cigar box) and I try to encourage others to stop in and support this downtown area oddity (the DAO), or for better syntax: an eclectic, dynamic, visual experience that ignites the creative force within us all.
I like the picture on the web-site, they make neat wallpapers/screen savers! ”
Counterpoint:
“This is a hoarder’s paradise. You have to dig deep to find something useful or cool here. There is simply no editing at all. If you can make use out of a big box of ‘Simply Orange’ juice green tops or a crateful of Corona bottle caps, this is a place for you. If you think of an art project that requires a whole lot of jar collecting or some severed doll heads, you will make out big here. I found some brown ‘vintage’ medicine bottles that I thought I could use for my beauty products after I slapped on some cute labels.
I didn’t end up buying anything because there was no one at the cash register, even after I waited for a few minutes. Instead the manager was having a very indiscreet fight with her employee in the back ‘craft room’. Now, the owner was saying some awful, rude things and behaving in such an unprofessional manner that I decided to just leave without purchasing my bottles. I don’t want to buy anything from someone who would be so disrespectful toward her own employees, and by extension, her customers.”
March 21st, 2011 at 6:43 pm
“My Point” – The shop is amazing!! One of my first stops on a trip from San Antonio to Houston. My son and I were treated very well and really enjoyed meeting the owner. She is even going out of her way to ship me some items I didn’t get while I was there. Hope the shop is not “edited” too much…I love it the way it is – an artist/crafter paradise! As for the Corona bottle caps – wouldn’t they be cute tiled on a table top or around a mirror…………
March 22nd, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Thanks so much for the kind words, Barbara!
March 29th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
That’s the problem with the internet- there’s always someone ready with an anonymous negative comment.
I love the shop. I have donated to and bought from the shop three times since they opened. I’d go more often, but I’d get myself into trouble buying up all the cool little treasures. The fact that the inventory changes so much and so often makes it a new shop every time you go in.
As far as the owner, I’ve never seen her be anything but lovely. My son (age 11) has been in with me each time I’ve gone and they chat with him, encourage him to explore, and even got him out of a bad mood he was stuck in the first time we went. I’ve been very impressed with the fact that the owner has remembered us the times we’ve been in after the initial visit. I always feel welcome there and can’t wait to go back.
April 6th, 2011 at 10:17 am
I LOVE the shop. It’s a massive and instant assemblage inventory and full of inspiration. I can easily spend an hour or two there.
If someone is not at the cash register, they are most likely only several feet away… unloading a new box of goodies onto the shelves.
They are constantly restocking!
April 10th, 2011 at 9:38 am
Thanks so much for your support! XOXOXO!!
April 17th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
I LOVE~LOVE~LOVE The Asylum & the “Rude”…..NOT, manager! LOL Ramona & Jennifer are both a HOOT & the shop is full of TOTALLY COOL TREASURES! I drive up there atleast once a month, if not weekly all the way from Texas City. OMG, no one was at the register??? What has this world come too? If nothing else, yell out “I’m ready to check out”! Heck, I walk in the door & yell “Honey, I’m home” & we are always laughing across the store. Even my 20 year old son & hubby enjoy going there. Considering these ladies have opened a place for things that would be in our land fields & for people like me to find cool art treasures everytime I go in, it’s ok if they aren’t at the register 24/7! Besides, it’s not Target or Walmart and someone does have to sort, clean, organize & display everything, plus the day to day things that go along with running a shop & organizing classes.
So for the person who can’t wait at the register or speak up, STAY HOME cuz that just means there will be more goodies for me & my friends to buy!!!!
LOVE YA GIRLS & The Art Asylum is definitely for me!!!!!
THANKS & KEEP UP ALL THE GREAT WORK!!!
April 17th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
I to LOVE-LOVE-LOVE the Asylum! Everybody has bad days…it doesn’t mean we just give up! I live in League City and come all the way to shop there. This is definitely “A STORE WITH A PURPOSE” When I shop there I make at least 2 to 3 thorough scans of the entire store. There are so many wonderful things and I find things I didn’t see each time! Rock on Ramona & Jennifer! Love ya!