Art Shows at Soda Springs Floral

Lucia Marie Crane, owner of Soda Springs Floral on Highway 30 next to Family Dollar, has been planning on retiring for a while now.  She initially hoped to sell her floral shop to someone interested in continuing in that tradition, but after waiting for more than a year, she has decided to sell the property itself to whoever would like to use the space.

She will, however, not be going anywhere as a florist until after the extremely busy month of May.

“Graduations, proms, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day—I told people that I’ve worked with every year for years that I will definitely be here for them one more time,” Crane smiled.

After the rush, she plans to use her space to feature local artists in a gallery space.  Over the last few years, Crane has featured a number of local artists inside her walls for month long shows.  The events have been great chances for members of the arts community to meet with one another, catch up, and talk shop.  They have also been a great way from members of the public to catch fine art on display locally, as well as the opportunity to speak with the artists.

“There isn’t really a gallery space in Soda Springs, so I’m hoping to create a version of one,” Crane said.

Between artists from Grace, Soda, Bancroft and beyond, as well as those from nearby Wyoming and Utah, Crane has spoken to a number of people who are interested in a place to show their work.  On that note, “Art in the Garden” will be returning again this year to the Community Garden behind the Presbyterian Church.  More information will be coming soon, so keep an eye out for the exact date and time.

Right now, Crane’s gallery features some of her own new work, mixing wildlife painting with “Zen tangle” style backgrounds to create a unique and different look at animal art.  “I just wanted to try something different and see how it worked,” she said.  

The paintings, as well as other art, can be seen during business hours at the shop, which is still open for floral business through May.