by Roberta Williams
I first met Colleen Steenhagen a little over a year ago when she opened her shop Down the Rabbit Hole. We had crossed paths in New Orleans, but never met and I immediately recognized her as a kindred spirit. Colleen is a spirited artist, photographer, and entrepreneur who left her native Kenosha early in life in search of adventure and great photo ops. Lucky for all of us she decided to put down roots back in her hometown. These roots are in the form of the magical shop on 7th Avenue, Down the Rabbit Hole. Her line is “You never know what you will find inside,” and believe me that’s so true!
The shop is an oasis of Joy in the sea of mega-superstores and mass production that surrounds us. Tibetan prayer flags fly outside and beckon us into the shop, which reminds me of the markets and bazaars you find in foreign lands. You can find everything to delight your senses – tea, chocolate, aromatherapy oils, incense, candles, Buddhas, Ganeshes, books, music, cards, accessories- the list goes on & on. And, of course, you can view Colleen’s wonderful digital images, which she calls collage/mandalas. Colleen also carries the work of many local artists (beaded pillows, stuffed rabbits, jewelry, purses, prints, paintings, artist trading cards). Don’t miss the wabi sabi shelf while you are there!
Colleen has also brought in tarot readers and a henna art painter, which adds to the exotic air of the place. There are not too many places in Kenosha where you can go to get this feeling. I always half expect a snake charmer to be sitting in the corner some days, or a white rabbit serving tea at the tables in back.
I recently got Colleen to take time out from her busy schedule to answer some questions for ExposeKenosha. She was preparing for her Day of the Dead celebration. For this traditional Mexican celebration on November 2nd she set up a Day of the Dead altar in her shop; complete with skeletons, candles, cut papers and the breads, candies and exotic fruits of Mexico. Friends and patrons brought photos of their lost loved ones to place on the altar. It was a real Down the Rabbit Hole experience.
How long have you been taking pictures?
What’s your favorite photo subject??
Did you go to art school/college for art/photography??
What toys/tools do you use to create your imagery??
Are there any other art forms you do or would like to get into??
When did you leave Kenosha? When did you come back? Why did you come back? Are you happy to be back?
I came back from California in the year 2000, with the intent of being near family and saving money while I figured out where I’d like to live next.
I began working at a garden center and exploring yet another passion of mine, gardening. It didn’t take long for me to notice changes. Art galleries, coffee shops, massage day spas, yoga and in general more healthy and creative venues and growth in Kenosha, which excited me. I decided maybe I didn’t really need to leave after all.
Where all have you traveled to? What were your favorite destinations?
In India, the most magical place I stayed was the ancient ruin site village of Hampi…Hanuman, the monkey god’s kingdom…temples, rice paddies, a winding river and the most incredible landscape of boulders and rocks.
Then, the experience of trekking for 30 days in the Himalayas of Nepal, on the Annapurna Circuit, is an experience that resonates in my heart still. No sounds of traffic, no electricity, constant awesome mountainscapes, topped with the most beautiful, gentle smiles and warm “Namaste” greetings from the agile, spirited mountain people of Nepal. It was there that I became exposed to Tibetan images and practices, particularly prayer flags…a most visually stimulating reminder of Spirit in the midst of our daily humanness.
What is/was your vision for “Down the Rabbit Hole”??
It’s my goal to create a space that supports creativity, health, spirituality and playfulness…a feel good environment that a can support self-expression and discovery for myself and others. It is also my intent to provide a creative and healing environment by offering workshops, classes or gatherings which can also connect people locally.
How did you come up with the name “Down the Rabbit Hole”?
You have been open a year now, what is the most exciting/enjoyable thing about being in the Biz??
Who are some of your heroes??
Georgia O’Keefe, Laurie Anderson, Duane Michaels, Joel Meyerowitz, Immogene Cunningham, Chagall and Ray Troll (an Alaskan, printmaker/artist) and my second grade teacher Bea Lundgren have all been artistically inspiring.
What’s your greatest source(s) of inspiration??
When do you feel the most creative and or inspired?
I am most creative late at night when most of the world sleeps.
Tell us about your wabi-sabi shelf in your shop.
Is there anything new coming up in your Wonderland that we should know about??
Do you have a website? Myspace?
What do you want to be when you grow up??
It would also be deeply satisfying to have an abundance of money, time and energy to share and give back to those who need or those who have ‘given’ to me.
Thank you, Colleen, for being back in Kenosha!
Colleen Steenhagen you have been “Exposed”.
You can contact Colleen through her myspace page.
Down the Rabbit Hole
5709 7th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: (262)656-1515
Roberta Williams is another of Kenosha’s talented artists.
Subscribe by Email
Follow EK in twitter
6 comments ↓
I have spent time in Colleen’s little Rabbit Hole haven and find there is much peace and serenity that exudes throughout the store. It comes from Colleen herself, and she carries it with her where ever she travels. Just seeing her around Kenosha, you feel it in her aura. I am glad that her travels brought her back to our little corner of the world.
I had the pleasure of knowing Colleen while she was here in California; she is an amazing talent and pure, loving soul. I am not in the least suprised that her store is so widely loved, as I knew she was destined to fulfill her dream of opening such a magical store. “Down the Rabbit Hole” is right near the top of my list of places I must go. Can’t wait to make it out to Wisconsin; you’ll find me in Kenosha!
I had the pleasure of working with Colleen a few years back and back then she would show me her work. She would ask my opinion of her photography and I remember telling her to never stop taking pictures and follow her dream. It seems to me that she has done that! Nice to see your doing well Colleen! I’ll have to come by and see the store…
Ray
Colleen and I met in Mexico for the 1st time…in Thailand the second time….in India the third time! We shared many wonderful traveling adventures together over the years and when she eventually moved to California she lived a couple of blocks away from me! She is a wonderfully talented artist and I am thrilled to see her open up Her ” Down the Rabbit Hole”. Our next meeting will surely be there!
Namita
I agree with others here: Down the Rabbit Hole is a truly a sensory experience. I discovered two beautiful Chinese perfume bottles and a candle holder–items I’ve found nowhere else. One more thing: Roberta, you did a wonderful job writing this review! For those who don’t know, Roberta Williams is a talented Kenosha artist herself–and a great lady to know!
[…] I learned about Etsy from my friend Colleen, who owns a small Shop/Gallery in Downtown Kenosha Wisconsin, called “Down the Rabbit Hole”. It can be found by doing a simple web search. She doesn’t have a website yet, but has been written up on Expose Kenosha.com, a local art site, here’s a link http://exposekenosha.com/2007/11/18/curiouser-and-curiouser-down-the-rabbit-hole-with-colleen-steenh… […]
Leave a Comment