Find gifts, art and home furnishings at Magnolia’s new “Current and Furbish”

By reporter Steven Smalley

With so many stores closing lately, it is exciting to announce the opening of a brand-new shop!  Two Magnolia residents have decided to open Current and Furbish in the space on West McGraw Street formerly occupied by Cocoa and Cream. 

Partners Cameron Vail, former manager of The Red Balloon Company in Capitol Hill, and Ward, Director of Community Life at Magnolia United Church of Christ are set to open the doors approximately May 1, depending on construction schedules. Current and Furbish will offer not only contemporary gifts and home accessories, but will also be the new home for the work of owner/artist Scott Ward. “It’s a store providing items for all aspects of life,” says the new artist-in-residence. “You will find things to enhance and promote a playful life.”

Plans call for the shop to be stocked with new merchandise, gently used or refurbished items, and an area for toys and games. It’s also the place to view Scott Ward’s colorful art. “I’ve heard several people say there just isn’t a place in the Village to get a host gift, or a gift for a kid’s birthday party, or any kind of housewares that has a particular style to it,” Ward points out. “This kind of thing isn’t here in Magnolia. It’s missing.”

Ward promises to carry pieces by other artists in the area, as well as his own. In addition, look for future workshops on creative lifestyle design, decorating, and creativity. “We invite everyone in Magnolia to come and visit us. Let us know what’s working and what’s not working, and what you want to see here,” says Ward. “We would like to have a dialogue to get to know the community, and fill the niche for you.”

With the artist’s permission, we have included some of Scott Ward’s work here:

My Own Little Island