By Shayna Mace | Photography by Shanna Wolf
Stroll down Monroe Street, and you might stop in your tracks when you spy a squat, aqua building, nestled between Eyeopia and the future Chabad Jewish Center. It makes a delightful statement amongst the mostly brown brick buildings on the street.
It’s the home of Artsy Fartsy, a gift shop owned by mother-daughter duo Jeanette and Alisson Burda. Jeanette, a retired high school teacher, and Alisson, a part-time social worker and artist, have been working together for years, selling Alisson’s art online, at art fairs and at the Dane County Farmers’ Market. They opened their storefront in August 2022. The shop carries Alisson’s prints and cards, art supplies, jewelry, décor, and kids’ and seasonal items, such as Mother’s Day gifts.
The pair’s rule is simple when deciding what to sell in the shop: “We only carry what we like,” explains Jeanette. They have a mix of items by makers they find online, as well two to three local artists’ pieces at any given time.
On the day I visited, several groups of friends and families stopped in, and their comments echoed what Jeanette hears from customers daily.
“People come in all of the time and say, ‘I feel so much better in here — it’s so fun!’” she says.
1717 Monroe St., artsyfartsymadison.com
SHOP THE LOOK
Clockwise, starting at top left:
- Alisson Burda’s colorful cards are the perfect pick-me-up. $4
- The Colour Emporium’s hand-dipped candles are a delightful host gift. $24
- Gift your bestie this cute barrette set by Eugenia. $16.50
- Local artist Sarah Sweet uses Washi tape, vintage papers and cedar wood in her jewelry. $17
- Don’t you just want to squeeze French Knot’s adorable wool lamb? $40
- Go hands-free with Maika’s funky belt bag. $42
