When did Urban Arts and Crafts open in the River Market? And when did the shop move to Briafcliff Village in the Northland?
Karen Roark: We opened June of 2002 and moved to Briarcliff Village in October of 2006. Present: Tell us about your background. Roark: UA+C is owned by Karen Roark. I worked as an Interior Architect in Kansas City for 12 years before opening the store. Anni, our store kitty, was found in the alley behind our old River Market location on the first day of our first year anniversary. (Her official name is Anniversary.) And yes, she lives in the store. And yes, she stays out of the yarn! (She’s a smart girl, that Anni.) Present: What are some of the product lines that you carry? Roark: We carry what we like to call a “basics to boutique” selection of yarns, fabrics, beads and beading supplies, books, paper arts and screen printing supplies. Some of the designers we feature include Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, Jenny Hart, and Sabrina Ward Harrison. Present: Tell us about some of your most popular classes? Are they taught by staff or outside specialists? Roark: Some of our more popular cla
