Heather Narwid, of Dolores, loves art.
Her love for art shows in everything she does, especially inside the walls of her store, Sideshow Emporium and Gallery, 411 Central Ave. in Dolores.
The store is filled, wall to wall with colorful and creative clothes, jewelry and gifts.
Nearly everything in the Sideshow is a one-of-a-kind, including Narwid.
Unlike most clothing store owners, Narwid can size almost everyone up who walks through her doors and point them toward what they will like best or what will be most flattering on them.
I can pretty much cover anyone, no matter how they like to dress, Narwid said. I like helping people expand their style, stretching beyond jeans and T-shirts.
Most of the clothing Narwid sells is secondhand, but Narwid explained that doesnt make it any less fabulous.
Saturday, Narwid quietly celebrated five years of owning the Sideshow, during an art opening. Narwid opened the shop five years ago. The opening was planned to feature music, an anniversary cake for the store and of course the art.
I opened the shop because I needed a job and really didnt know what else to do, she said.
Narwid moved to Dolores about seven years ago from Flagstaff, where she ran a vintage clothing store and costume rental shop. Narwid grew up in New Jersey and went to college in Richmond and majored in fine art with a concentration in fine craft and textiles.
Perhaps that is why there is so much art inside the store.
I always knew I wanted art in here, Narwid said. I just wanted to do the clothing and art combination, so there could always be different stuff on the wall. And I love hosting openings.
Over the years, Narwid has booked dozens and dozens of local bands and artists even well-known national artists and bands.
The event also celebrated the beginning of summer.
Mud season is always hard and stores in Dolores have to figure out how to survive during mud season, she says.
Does Narwid see another five years?
Yes, I would like to see this place utilized more though, she said. I have work clothes and party clothes.
And of course when Narwid isnt busy hanging clothes, giving style advice, hanging art or booking the latest music or artist to Dolores, she is the new director of the Dolores River Festival, a job that keeps her pretty busy this spring, as the festival is coming up June 2.
Saturdays opening was titled Victory Camera and featured the pen and ink renderings of Dan Groth. You can learn more about Groth at warmgrimace.blogspot.com.
For more information about Sideshow, call Narwid at 739-4646.
