Don’t you love it when you stumble across something and it ends up being so much more than you expected?
A few weeks ago, I was reading Metro Parent magazine and found an advertisement for the Fairy Garden Ball held at the Gallery U Boutique in Royal Oak. I had no expectations and was looking for an activity to do with my kids while my husband celebrated the advent of golf season with a business weekend outing.
We arrived and the space was absolutely beautiful. Amazing art pieces decorated the gallery walls. There was a table of enchanting fairy garden-themed treats. The stations were organized. We could pick out artificial or real plants, special miniature décor, and add rocks, shells, and fairy dust. Everyone was incredibly helpful.
As we were getting our gardens set up, I had the chance to briefly talk to one of the women who was working there. She introduced herself as a physical therapist and told me all about the gallery. Most of the art is done off-site at Universal Institute, a rehabilitation center for people who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries.
I had no idea what Galley U was before I signed up for this event. I was just looking forward to having some fun with my kids as they built their fairy gardens, but I really feel that I came across something very special. I love the concept that the gallery is a vocational training program for people who are healing. I have always believed that art, in any form, is therapeutic. I look forward to visiting Gallery U again to check out the remarkable art pieces.
Have you recently discover any local hidden gems? I’d love to hear about them.
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