Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1215366
A mong Henkel Square's most-shopped newcomers is Abejas, location deux for Christina Mitchell's unique and thoughtfully sourced Houston womenswear emporium. Housed in a plum front-of-the-square spot in the 1817 apothecary building, the retailer stocks some exclusive items that have been flying out the door. For the gents, that would be custom (designed by Mitchell) Irish linen guayabera shirts depicting the Texas flag. For ladies and their canines, check out Abejas' Pioneros polo-style belts and dog collars — in striking combinations of bridle leather and hand embroidery — imported from Argentina. Abejas, Henkel Square, 110 N Live Oak St., abejasboutique.com. Catherine D. Anspon ABEJAS ARRIVALS Abejas West 106 ROUND ABOUT ROUND TOP COCKTAILS, NO VACANCY AT ELLIS MOTEL O n a girls' trip for the winter show, after dinner at Lulu's, my friends and I checked into Ellis Motel — but for the Spicy Palomas and Ranch Waters, not for lodging. Lee Ellis (formerly of Cherry Pie Hospitality in Houston) opened his "bar where the furniture is for sale" in Henkel Square last fall. Like moths to a flame, the locals fluttered to the new neighborhood watering hole. The restored property dates to the 1800s — you can't miss the neon sign and vibrant blue door. Ellis' custom smoker recently arrived. Stay tuned, many more taco and barbecue pop-ups to follow, especially during show time. Ellis Motel, 185 Henkel Circle at Henkel Square, instagram.com/ellis_ motel. Anne Lee Phillips R ound Top gets a game- changing addition to the social scene. Brooke Michie — she and husband Paul Michie are the couple who are crafting Round Top Brewing in Mark Massey's next retail project, Minden Square — has already jumped into the town's mix, opening a very welcome Lyric Salon Round Top in one of the charming log cabins rimming Rummel Square. Michie, who owns a salon in Austin, tells us she provides ammonia-free color, natural products, and structured cuts, but it's the blow-outs we'll be booking. By appointment Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays; text Brooke Michie, 512.294.8641. Catherine D. Anspon ROUND TOP RAP W ho says you can't have a white cube in the country. Cue Red & White Gallery, Fayetteville; we're huge fans of owners Joan and Jerry Herring. The inn-keeping couple — who are also photographers with a book on Fayette County as calling card — are integral to the vitality of this historic Czech-founded hamlet. As gallerists, they possess the ability to alternate major players in the Texas art world with charming low-key shows that give back to the community. Case in point, Red & White's spring lineup. Concurrently with FotoFest, the Herrings roll out "The Red Wall Portraits," featuring 200-plus sitters snapped on the iconic red backdrop of the former general store reborn as art space (March 1 – April 11). A project five years in the making, the exhibition funds the upcoming Fayetteville Community Center & Performance Theater on the town square, a $5 million vision to transform a neglected historic structure into a cultural nexus (targeted opening 2022). For a minimum donation of $50, acquire a print, and fund this exciting performing arts center. Next, a show lands fresh from Fort Worth's National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. "Laura Wilson: Looking West" serves as a four-decade retrospective for the artist. Featured are 35 images, black-and-white and color, spanning 1982 to 2016; the locations encompass ranches in Texas and Montana, as well as movie sets. Meet the lenswoman — who first became known for her work while assisting Richard Avedon on In the American West (and is mother of Luke, Owen, and Andrew) — at opening night, Saturday, April 25, 4 to 7 pm (through June 27). redandwhitegallery. com. Catherine D. Anspon FOTOFEST COMES TO FAYETTEVILLE + COWGIRL ACCLAIM Laura Wilson's Emma, 1994, at Red & White Gallery Lee Ellis with Elvira at Ellis Motel COURTESY THE ARTIST AND RED & WHITE GALLERY, FAYETTEVILLE Jerry Herring's Betty Moody, 2018, at Red & White Gallery