323 East: Functional Art

Remember that conversation piece you needed?

It may be a modest 400 square feet in size, but the truth is, (especially) with its vibrant lime green exterior, this spot packs a big, loud punch. Named after its address, located on Fourth Street, a few blocks east of Main Street in downtown Royal Oak, 323East is the trendy town’s newest boutique. It boasts one-of-a-kind artwork, clothing and accessories from metro Detroit’s underground scene.

“Our plan is to encompass every form of design and creativity; have a place where people can come and feel surrounded by art,” says one of several 323 East owners, PR and shop coordinator Mike MacKool. “From very funky to very traditional stuff, for all types of people.” The other “brains” behind the store include Dan Armand, Letty Gonzalez, Shane Beliveau, Jesse Cory and Jason Schultz and Brittany DiNardo of Ohm Creative Group- a local creative agency focusing on web design and development, marketing and video (which the art boutique is a subsidiary of). Everything about the store, from it’s website, e-shop, photos, promotions and press is done entirely in house, using all the creativity of the staff. About two months prior to their April opening the team put out a call for artists via MySpace and the response was huge. “Totally web two-point-o,” says Letty Gonzalez, who also has a hand in PR for the company.

So what exactly is inside those bright green brick walls? A great mix of indie- designers clothing (including kids), handmade pottery, toys, canvas art, blown glass, mugs, notebooks, jewelry, furniture, accessories like ties and barrettes; all stuff MacKool refers to as “functional art.” But everything is moderately priced so if you come in with less than ten bucks, ($3 to be exact) you needn’t leave empty-handed. For three bucks, you can score a pin (to show your love for the mitten state) by master crafters Handmade Detroit (see pics). If you want to splurge and drop over a grand on a piece, well you won’t be disappointed either. Maybe check out Graem Whyte’s bronze and steel “They Call Me Bruce AKA Chinese Fire Dog” sculpture, a definite at-home-cocktail party conversation starter.

Other noted conversation starters by way of 323East:

Hand screened printed micro-fiber ties by Cyberoptix.

High waisted print skirt by Anastasia Chatzka.

Little handbags and wallets made from, (yes!) books by (sub)Urban Fringe.

Handmade rings made from recycled Michigan wood by Chris Burkeybyle.

Any canvas painting by Peter DeAngelo, a lot going on but in a good way.

323 East is located at (duh) 323 East Fourth Street, Royal Oak MI 48067. Dial 'em up at 248-246-9544 or via the web at customerservice@323east.com. Also, be sure to check them out online.