About Us
Welcome to Abode!
What we are:
Abode is a community of artists, artisans, and makers dedicated to improving their craft, selling their products and services and reaching the community. We bring Hope to our community as we serve, learn from one another and believe that dreams can become reality as we encourage and support the creativity of handmade businesses.
Abode houses Artist Studios for rent, 4 Local/Handmade Retail Stores, Artisan Markets and provides workshops taught by local artisans. Abode is home to its owner, the International School of Story, a 501(c)3 non-profit, where the Hope Doll is created, workshops for community well-being is held and the global program is housed. In this workshop space is the HiStory Gallery - sharing one-page stories from across the globe, of when God made what seems impossible, possible.
Our Story:
The International School of Story had a dream to move into their physical space which would house the HiStory Gallery and workshop space for the impactful work done there. Bringing Hope to communities sharing stories to inspire that teach skills to thrive amidst life's challenges, alleviating stress, anxiety and depression.As Emra Smith, Founder of the International School of Story and their Council looked for space, Amy Shippy, a Council member, found Abode as the founders were contemplating selling it. What a perfect fit!
Abode was founded by business owners Alexandra Forby (Daughter Handwovens) and Christina Rippetoe (Smoke and Spirits). Inspired by the idea of sharing a space they decided to open a place that could hold multiple makers. The idea grew and evolved to include workshops, studio spaces, retail, markets and events, and networking opportunities.
For each of us creating and serving one another, our shoppers and community in these many ways, we believe and live out loud that together we are stronger, that each of our stories matter and there is always Hope! Come visit us, shop with us! You will experience this with us. We are your community!