Business of the Month - May 2004: Dancing Eye Gallery & Across the Street

The designs of fifty of the most talented artists come together at the corner of Center and Main Streets. Theresa Schierloh created Dancing Eye Gallery nine years ago in a 200 square foot space in the rear of Northville’s Tuscan Café. Today her gallery at 101 North Center Street houses one of the largest collections of art tile in Michigan. Tiles can be used in any room in your house. Imagine your fireplace surround crafted in beautifully designed one-of-a kind tiles. Your kitchen backsplash, bathroom countertop, wall art in your child’s room, or trivets . . . the possibilities are endless. Tiles are even durable enough to withstand Michigan winters so they can be inlaid into your patio. If you have your heart set on something special, Theresa will be happy to assist you in selecting an artist for made-to-order custom tiles. In stock tiles can be taken on approval so you can see how they look in your home.

Detroit based Pewabic Pottery marked its 100th anniversary in 2003. Located in Detroit’s historic Indian Village since 1906 and so-named for its founder’s birthplace near the Pewabic mines in Hancock, MI, the Pewabic legacy can be found in ceramic tile murals at Comerica Park, the new McNamara Terminal at Metro Airport and at Dancing Eye Gallery in Northville. Many of the artists displaying their tiles at Dancing Eye learned their craft in the Education Studio of Pewabic Pottery. A complete list of tile artists displaying their wares at Dancing Eye Gallery can be found at their website.

Inside the entryway of the new Amphibiville Exhibit at the Detroit Zoo is a mosaic tile wall with colorful images of amphibians and their habitats. Those same tiles, designed by Gretchen Kramp, are available at Dancing Eye Gallery. What a wonderful way for your child to remember his or her trip to the zoo!

Tiles make wonderful gifts. Tiles shaped in animal patterns, stars, hearts, etc in your choice of soft pastels can be mixed and linked together to create a unique gift for a new baby. When personalized by the artist with such things as the baby’s name, birth date, & weight your gift will be remembered for a lifetime. Special anniversaries or wedding dates can also be commemorated with a keepsake tile.

Three years ago Theresa opened a second shop, Across the Street, which is across the street from Dancing Eye at 102 East Main Street. Showcasing an eclectic mix of art and fashion Across the Street is known for its ever-changing selection and infamous sale rack. Many of the items that Theresa carries are designed and created by artists that she personally knows. Novelty tee shirts and pjs, one-of-a-kind jackets, purses, and clothing by Flax are staples. You will find a variety of handcrafted furniture pieces including tables with inlaid mosaic tiles, pottery, and pillows, as well as candles by Paddywax and Votivo. The Axcent Watch Collection, created by leading designers in Scandinavia, are on exhibit in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and in Northville. Moderately priced from $70-$90 they are available for purchase at Across the Street and at Dancing Eye. Handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets can also be found at either shop.

Theresa, or one of her knowledgeable staff, is always available to assist you in selecting the perfect tile or gift. They will be happy to walk with you from one store to the other to help in the selection. Recently mentioned in the May 2004 issue of Hour Magazine and the Best of Detroit (May 8, 2003), Theresa is creating her own legacy in Northville. Visit Dancing Eye Gallery and Across the Street today.