I've been here enough times that its time I gave one of the valley's great female entrepreneurs her due. Lisa Olson is fast becoming a towering figure among valley local businesses (and not just because she's 6 feet tall). Lisa's central Phoenix business has managed to mesh art with function all while promoting local creators in a fun, funky little store. If that wasn't enough, Lisa's business regularly gives back to local causes through special events regularly held at her store (more on that in a bit). If you've never been here before, allow me to set the scene. Look for Practical Art on the west side of Central Avenue and Medlock (just a few blocks north of Camelback). There's a tiny amount of parking in front, but you can find more in back via Pasadena Avenue (one block south of Medlock). The store has a wide variety of housewares, artwork, clothing, furniture, jewelry, as well as other trinkets and knick knacks. A rotating artwork collection is displayed on the wall near the front entrance and the store inventory changes out fairly regularly. I've shopped here myself every so often and found lots of gifts for friends and family members alike. I've bought everything from coasters to cups to a serving dish, to t-shirts, and even money clips. But if you're really looking for the ultimate experience at Practical Art, you're going to want to clear your schedule after 7pm every 4th Friday of the month. That's because every fourth Friday Lisa's sister Karen is serving up a mindblowing array of freshly baked pies for all to try. Just bring $10 ($20 if you want a chance to win your own pie from Karen) and bring your own plate to eat all the pie you can handle. And you'll need a big plate, as Karen typically cranks out at least a dozen unique individual pie creations every time. The best part? The proceeds from pie night go to a local charity. Since the Olson family began their charity pie nights in 2011, they've given more than $50k to various local charities. A more recent exciting development at the store is their partnership with other local businesses to create little pop up sections within the store. For example, Bunky Boutique (a wildly popular local clothing store in Downtown and Sky Harbor Airport) now has a section inside Practical Art. Also, Hidden Track Bottle Shop (another Downtown institution) has opened up a wine store inside Practical Art, with wine tastings at least once a week (as well as on charity pie nights). I guess what I'm saying is Practical Art is a pretty wonderful place. If you love supporting a local business selling local products from local vendors, you're in the right spot. If you've got a pie craving or want to support a local charity once a month, this is the place. Me? I'll keep coming for pie night, but I'll for sure be coming here after my next home purchase to give my new place an artful AZ centric feel. So cheers, Lisa. You've created something truly wonderful here in central Phoenix. But then I'm sure you already knew that. read more