Pura Vida Worldly Art Apartments For Rent - Plaza Midwood, Charlotte, North Carolina

Posted by Sara Lodi on January 27, 2009 23:42

Step inside Pura Vida Worldly Art and you can see that the store's motto - "because art has no boundaries" - barely does their vibrant collection justice. Nestled away on Central Ave in Charlotte's Plaza Midwood neighborhood, it's hard to actually classify what this place really is. Its friendly owner, Teresa, started the store as an exhibit of international art and fair trade items, but its popularity in the area

parlayed this little gem into a community staple.

Now, you can peruse the eclectic, funky art pieces as possible conversation starters for your apartment, but pass through the store into the Gypsy Room and you can immerse yourself in whatever's going on that day - it could be a yoga class, a local band or a poetry reading. The owner also serves up a few varieties of coffee and offers free Wi-Fi, so patrons can just relax and enjoy the surroundings as if you're just hanging out in a friend's apartment.

Every one of Teresa's pieces has a story behind it, whether it's from India, Morocco or Turkey, and her staff is just as knowledgeable as she is. Some of the art and décor exhibits aren't for sale, and are just used to decorate the store in itself, extending all the way to the elaborate Dia de los Muertos mirror in the bathroom. This is really more of small indie museum than a shop, but its wide appeal, rare pieces on show and a fully-packed calendar of cultural events make this place a must-see if you're in this part of town.