Art Beat Turning Coastal Blue

New Vendor in Southport Village Shoppes

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

Springtime is arriving early in Southport, along with a heavy dose of pine tree pollen and a cheerful little low country store in the Olde Southport Village Shoppes! The new store is full of coastal charm with a touch of shabby chic and a lot of love. Coastal Blue opens in early March in the back corner of 11th and Howe Streets. You can find various upscale, locally-handmade beach decor items to admire and purchase. Owner Kim Caggiano recently relocated to the Southport area and, on one fateful day, stumbled upon the opportunity to open the storefront her heart was searching for — a space to create her own work, offer it for sale to the public, and support other artists in the process.

When you walk into the store and meet Kim, you get an easy positive vibe from the motivational and uplifting sayings on many of her creations. Her welcoming smile greets and draws you into the stylish low country atmosphere. “My vision for Coastal Blue is to provide inspiration through my work,” she said.

Even though her personal health struggles, Kim’s comforting voice and sweet disposition shine through. She is inspiring to talk with, and her giving spirit shines through. “This past year, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I wanted to handcraft something special for my friends and family as a thank you for their support when they came to visit,” she said. “Coastal Blue is inspired by my love of all coastal decor, low country home style.”

As it often does, the act of creating actually aids in healing both physically and spiritually. It gives your mind a rest and a focus away from the trials of everyday life. Now Kim can easily create her work in a room at the store, so inventory will be changing regularly. “After my surgery, I found comfort and healing while creating and crafting different designs. When friends realized I was making them as part of my healing process, they began purchasing the shells as gifts for others. This is how ‘Coastal Blue’ came to life.”

Kim uses sustainably sourced shells and natural beads for her shell ornaments and prayer beads. Each one is elegantly made, and many focus on issues close to her heart. “There are almost 35 different designs for the scallop shell ornaments. There are a few shell designs for breast cancer, autism awareness, and uplifting positive words are found throughout,” she said. “Blessing Beads with an oyster shell can be draped around a can- dle, displayed on bookshelves, hung on door knobs, or to accent your favorite photo frame.”

Now after only having her work for sale in person or on a website, Kim’s new adventure with a brick-and-mortar store is an exciting achievement. Her work is beautiful and impeccably made, with her attention to detail in every piece, and many are attractively packaged for easy gift-giving. Her work makes excellent gifts all year long, especially when you’re looking to give an inspiring gift of the ocean. “All are handcrafted shells that can be used as an ornament or a perfect coastal home décor accessory. There are many different styles to choose from, including napkin rings, blessing beads, salt and pepper oyster cellars, gilded oyster candles, and ornaments.

I am also happy to accommodate special orders and requests as well,” she said.

“Each is handcrafted, stock is limited and changes daily. The edges are gilded in gold leaf, and a finished coat is applied for shine. Each shell is sustainably sourced, approximately 3-4 inches, and has subtle variations in shades and color. Straight from the ocean, there is charming evidence of the journey your shell took on its way to you.”

Kim has added a few other artists to her store, focusing on decorative items, and may include additional products later. You will also be able to find glasswork, paintings, photography, original cards, and pottery. Olde Southport Village Shoppes will also resume the monthly Artisans Markets on March 4, which will be a great time to come out and browse the shops and welcome spring back to our quaint little town.

March 18 - 25

Mar 22 | Leland Green Sweep | FREE Volunteer to work alongside other citizens cleaning up Sturgeon Creek Park

Mar 22 | Marine Organisms Big and

Small: Fisheries Lecture | $10 Listen to a marine biologist explain the impact of local fisheries

Mar 23 | Birding in Brunswick | $25 Go on a bird walk at Brunswick Town

Mar 24 | Storm Drain Marking with CFRW | FREE Permanently mark storm drains with Cape Fear River Watch