'); } -->
The new shop in Plaza 103, at mile marker 103 bayside, is first and foremost an art gallery featuring works from paintings to sculptures to jewelry crafted by local artisans.
It’s also a workshop, where members of the public can learn to wire-wrap gemstones and crystals, create leatherworks and other crafts.
The store also offers loose-leaf teas, sage and holy woods for room cleansing, handmade soaps and lavender.
But it’s also a spiritual boutique, where guests can learn why they may or may not be on the right life path through their astrological signs or even how they can heighten their intuition and senses by receiving messages from spirits and angels.
For owner Rachel Tomko, a 30-year Keys resident originally from Bermuda, Out of the Blue is about getting back to an artistic way of life.
“I had a gallery back when I was in Georgia, and I always wanted to get back to that,” Tomko said. “I loved talking to artists and seeing people’s work. It’s like Christmas every day when they come in with a new piece and I arrange it in the store.”
Tomko said she wanted to give the Key Largo arts community a new place to showcase works.
After opening Aug. 20, Tomko has filled the walls and shelves with Keys-inspired creations like crystallized coral sculptures, tropical painted bowls and floral artwork from artists like Kim McCoy, Maddie Moore, Janice Childs and Jeff Scurlock.
The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Out of the Blue is hosting an interactive astrology workshop on Nov. 16 for $25. An angel card reading is slated for Nov. 29 for $85, and the store will be participating in Practicing Peace Month with Tibetan Buddhist monks returning to the Keys from Nov. 17-22.
Customers can sign a guest book to receive e-mails about future workshops and events.
For more information, call 451-8007 or e-mail racheltomko@rocketmail.com.