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?
