Bill Dlugokienski and Adam Kruse have always been inclined to seek out handmade artisan pieces while on trips or mine local fairs for special items. After selling houseplants and ceramic planters out of a booth at a Chicago market as a side hustle during the pandemic, the couple quickly realized they could combine their passion for sourcing interesting objects with their business acumen. Enter Vase & Vessel, their recently opened shop in Andersonville, Illinois, offering a curated line of home goods and flora.
“Part of our dream was to incorporate the work of local artists, particularly ceramics, at the shop,” Dlugokienski says. The couple personally meet with artists whose work they’re drawn to and handpick only the best pieces. “Our area is fortunate to have so many gifted makers,” Dlugokienski adds. At Vase & Vessel, shoppers can peruse vases, jewelry dishes, wall hangings, baskets, ceramics, and self-care items like scented candles, soaps and cashmere blankets. All are created by emerging or career artists.
“We want our customers to recognize the beauty that handmade items can bring into daily life,” Dlugokienski says. “We’re the store for the kind of person who collects interesting items while traveling—we just allow people to find those pieces without leaving Chicago.”
