Curio Kobo, a new artist-focused retail space on Chattanooga’s NorthShore, will celebrate its opening this Thursday with an official ribbon cutting, artist demonstrations, local pop-ups, hands-on activities and an opportunity for the community to meet the artists whose work fills the shop.

The ribbon cutting will take place at 3:30 p.m., followed by an Artist Meet & Greet and demonstrations from 4-6 p.m.

"Curio Kobo is a collaboration between two established NorthShore businesses, I Go Tokyo and Verre Noir, bringing together their shared love of independent artists, thoughtfully curated goods and Chattanooga’s creative community to create an entirely new retail concept," officials said.

"Both stores have spent years working with artists, makers and unique independent brands through their respective shops.

Curio Kobo grew from a desire to create a space specifically centered around those creators, particularly smaller and emerging artists who may not otherwise have access to a permanent retail or gallery environment.

"The result is an inclusive, ever-changing shop dedicated to giving independent artists and makers a physical place to share their work, reach new audiences and be discovered."

During the celebration, several of Curio Kobo’s artists and makers will bring their creative processes into the shop for live demonstrations and interactive experiences. Local artist Julia McCluskie will demonstrate the process of block printing, while Fae of Ilaria will be live painting throughout the event. Gemini Glassworks will demonstrate soldering, giving guests a look at another hands-on process behind the work represented in the shop.

Guests can also get creative themselves with a Make Your Own Picnic Clicker workshop with Frog & Fern, and Matcha Spot will pop up with matcha drinks during the celebration. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet a number of the artists and makers represented throughout Curio Kobo, learn more about their work and see some of the processes behind what they create.

"Rather than functioning as a traditional gallery, Curio Kobo is designed to continually change," officials said. "Its gallery walls and retail spaces feature a rotating collection of artwork, handmade goods, mediums, styles and ideas, creating a space where visitors can regularly discover new artists and new work."

“Our goal with Curio Kobo is to make discovering and supporting independent artists incredibly accessible,” said Becca Coleman. “There are so many talented people creating work in Chattanooga and throughout our region, and sometimes the hardest part is simply having a place where people can find them. We wanted to create that place.”

Officials said, "The collaboration between I Go Tokyo and Verre Noir also brings two different retail perspectives together under one project, united by a shared belief that independent brick-and-mortar businesses can play an important role in connecting artists directly with the people who want to support their work.

"Curio Kobo places a special focus on Chattanooga and regional creators while maintaining a rotating mix of products, styles, and ideas. The goal is for visitors and locals alike to leave not only with something unique, but with a greater connection to the person who made it."

The celebration is open to the public.