Whether you're into funky, eclectic art or prefer art with a message, Gift of Art on Richmond Row has got something to suit your tastes. The store has been a downtown staple for almost exactly a decade — in fact, Gift of Art's 10th anniversary celebration takes place on February 1.

Brad Scrinko, the store's owner, came up with the idea for Gift of Art after losing his job at Agnew Shoes. "I thought at the time that there was a need for a store in London that sold Canadian-made handmade art," he said.

Gift of Art has grown a lot over the past 10 years. "We started off our store with only 20 to 25 artists or so," remembered Scrinko. "Now we're up to 150. I know them all personally."

Kym Brundritt, one of the store's best-selling artists, has been selling her work at the store for eight years. "It's been great. Brad is a wonderful guy and I just love his place because it offers so many different things," she said. "It's a nice location for a variety of Canadian artists."

As an artist himself — Scrinko's hanging twister sculptures can be seen in the store's window — he knows how important it is to promote local wares.

"(Local art is) something special and something unique — something that makes (us) stand out," he said.

"In the last five years, I think handmade and Canadian-made has become more important than ever," he added. "People want to support Canadian workers, and this is one way to do it."

Everything in the store is 100 per cent handmade by Canadian artists. A quarter of the art in the store is produced right here in London.

A lot of the art is not only local — it's green, too! Many of the products are environmentally friendly, such as the felted wool bags and steelworks that are made from recycled materials. One very popular item is upcycled beer bottles that have been molded into drinking glasses.

Another popular aspect of the store is located in the very back. BeanStock has been selling their soaps, bubble bath, body wash and more at Gift of Art for seven years. "That whole store within a store has worked out really well for us," said Scrinko.

Scrinko said he is always looking for new artists to feature in the store. If you are interested in having your work sold in a beautiful location alongside many other talented Canadian artists, send Scrinko an email: giftofart@sympatico.ca.

Gift of Art's 10th anniversary celebration is on February 1, so stop by to check out the art, meet a few of the artists, and enjoy some baked goodies. There will also be a colouring contest for kids.

To shop online, visit www.giftofart.ca. For more information about Kym Brundritt's work, visit www.kymb.ca. To learn more about BeanStock, visit www.beanstock.ca.