Having earned a degree in the fine arts, I’m always pleased to share information on creative ways to shop while also giving a shout out to retailers intent on pulling together fun creative events. Like Artist and Display, which, as part of the store’s celebration of its 75th year in business, has invited Dutch painter Tali Farchi and Michigan artist Royce Deans to present an exciting “Live Painting with Love Music” Arumim event on March 11 (7 p.m.). Recognized throughout the U.S., Europe, Israel and Canada for their spirited live action art performances, Farchi and Deans are sure to wow the public with this exciting colaborative event featuring a smorgasbord of rhythms and tempos served up by Milwaukee’s own Matthew Riebe & Tony Smith Duo, which celebrates improvisation, musical energy and the power of art as created in the moment. With each $20 admission, receive a coupon good for $10 off any Strathmore paper or pad purchased at the store.
The pair will also be on hand to guide those participating in two special Painting With Music workshops March 12 (10 a.m. & 1 p.m.). Whether you’re an artist looking to loosen up or someone who just wants to discover whatever creativity lies within you, the goal here is to experience and give voice to your inner expressiveness as coaxed out by all sorts of music – classical to hip-hop. Workshop fee $15 for individuals or $25 for two. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
Another creative celebration to make note of is the March 11 (4-8 p.m.) Grand Opening Gala Event of My Table, a handmade pottery and gift gallery featuring the work of Jessie Schroeder Voss, whose handcrafted, artful dinnerware, serving bowls and trays are regularly seen on the "Rachael Ray Show." After years of participating in some of the country’s finest art fairs, opening her own retail store gives this award-winning artist and passionate follower of culinary and decorative trends a unique opportunity to present shoppers with myriad inspiring tablescapes, 
featuring her innovatively colored and patterned pieces. The store also provides Voss with a platform to introduce the work of a select group of local artists she’s come to admire. Along with handmade pottery, look for jewelry by Wolf Design, watercolors by Judith Gahn Murphy, eco-friendly purses by Permanent Baggage, stained glass from Purloin Studios, cotton totes by Renee Orlando, fiber wear by Zewing Girl, soaps from the Soap Pedaler, and knitwear and photography by Danielle Seib.W125 S9912 N. Cape Rd., Muskego, 414-588-4636, mytablegallery.com.