Andante Home's Candle Store Opens in Lawrence

0:00It's May 2nd. This is Kansas News Today, local news powered by AI. Dell Johnson and Nate Goode just opened their first storefront for Andante Home Candles in downtown Lawrence after five years working from home. Their soy based sense got inspired by their docks and willow, who had bad reactions to regular candles. This spot at 745 New Hampshire Street launched Friday through the nonprofit Open Studios. Open Studios is stepping up to fill empty downtown shops ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026. They match local artists with landlords for free pop-up spaces covering insurance and utilities. It's a smart set-up artist sell without rent. Landlords get foot traffic and the city looks more alive. Folks are buzzing about the winds all around. John Harrison, the director, ran a similar program in Wichita back in 2022 as an artist himself. It opened doors for networking and commissions, so he brought it here. Now 30 artists have applied, and he's pushing landlords for three to four month commitments.

1:05Justin and Goode planned to craft candles, sell goods, and spotlight other creators through the end of June. Indigenous artist Monique Mercurio helps pick talent and call the whole vibe wholesome for building real ties between artists and shops. With the World Cup on the horizon, programs like this could keep Lords's downtown thriving long after the games, drawing crowds and sparking more, local creativity.