A Store Full of Hidden Treasures, Litchfield, Connecticut
By Mark B. Oliver | January 31, 2012
Serendipity: “The faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Liliana Kleid is an artist in the true sense of the word - she sees beauty where others may not - and brings that beauty to life. A gifted painter, seamstress and jewelry maker, she decided to open a store in the heart of Litchfield, CT, that showcases both her work and that of many local and national artists.
Serendipity, whose name was suggested by Liliana’s daughter, is perfectly described. It is a lower level store, with plenty of natural light to showcase the treasure trove within.
One of the first things you notice is that the shop contains numerous products, all of which are very different in nature. From original paintings and drawings to crocheted hats, garden containers and handmade soap.
In lesser hands this would make for a jumbled store without purpose or theme, but Liliana has skillfully selected the items she stocks, so they supplement and enhance each other in subtle and distinct ways.
One of those themes is recycling. Forget about putting out paper or cans for collection, Serendipity takes the concept to an entirely new level. Some old pieces of discarded silk? Now sewn into beautiful flowers and incorporated into a unique necklace. An old plate and candlestick? Suddenly transformed into a stunning cake stand. An old chair consigned to the waste dump? Repaired, refinished and reupholstered and better than ever.
Another terrific idea is taking everyday items, such as mailboxes and metal ice buckets, which can be found in any hardware store, on which Liliana hand paints beautiful images - from flower collages, to wildlife, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. These items can be custom painted to suit your individual wishes.
The paintings that adorn the walls are all of the highest caliber. Some are by Liliana herself, while others are by American artists, including Holly Wojahn who recently released the exquisite children’s book Bon Bon Voyage in collaboration with her daughter.
Holly has also hand painted some kitchen aprons that match the style of her food orientated book, that are for sale at Serendipity.
Serendipity is the place to go if you need to find a gift for a loved one, that is original and will delight, or you simply want to browse. Prices are extremely reasonable, another benefit of the recycling theme, and the use of local products.
At Serendipity, you will find many agreeable things that you hadn’t sought out, but really can you let this one-of-a-kind item slip through your fingers?
At every turn you see items that you had missed at first glance, and with new items coming in daily, it is a store you will want to revisit again and again.
Serendipity is a store for everyone, and is highly recommended by ONE.
Details:
Serendipity
3AA West Street, Litchfield, CT 06759
(860) 921-1819
Opening Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10AM - 6PM
Sun: 11AM - 5PM