09/03/2026
September First Friday and much more at Serendipity!
We have an exciting month ahead of us featuring a great First Friday lineup, wellness and tea events, a cabaret performance, mahjong, a new show in the gallery, and SO much more! Keep scrolling to see what's in store for September.
Check out our new gallery show, Found by Anastasia Pottinger, which unites three bodies of work by Pottinger under one central theme. Scroll down to learn more!
We have tons of new fall items in the gift gallery! Shop all new Polish Pottery patterns and fall-themed items by our amazing local artists.
As we continue to expand, we are opening up some new positions here at Serendipity. If you are interested in joining our team, reach out to Elizabeth at [email protected]!
We have two studio openings in our Wellness Suites! Contact [email protected] for more information.
As always, be sure to stay up to date with all things Serendipity by following us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SerendipitySalonandGallery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/serendipitysalonandgallery/) .
Upcoming Events
First Friday
Time to start making your First Friday plans for September, and we have a great one planned for you!
We are honored to exhibit "Found" - photography and paintings by Columbia's own, Stacie Pottinger.
Anastasia Pottinger is a fine art photographer whose work centers on themes of vulnerability, transformation, and the beauty found in overlooked details. Best known for her series 100: What Time Creates, which documents the human body at age 100 and beyond, Pottinger’s photographs have been exhibited nationally and internationally and published in multiple media outlets around the globe. Her work often elevates the ordinary into something extraordinary, encouraging viewers to pause, reconsider, and connect with deeper layers of meaning. She lives and works in Columbia, Missouri.
Come and meet/visit with Stacie!
The enchanting Victoria Joy will be on stage with her own brand of vulnerable and beautiful music, and our bar will be open for drinks, along with Steep & Bloom for specialty tea options.
We have a special treat for you on the patio this time . . . Hōkūlià Shave Ice will join us with some of your favorite artists and vendors: Bookdrive Books, Unlimited Pours and Brittany's Buttons.
Free and open to the public
Sept 4th 6-9pm
Matcha Workshop with Steep & Bloom
Interested in making matcha at home, but feeling a little lost or intimidated? I've got you!
Join Steep & Bloom for a workshop to learn all about matcha and different ways to prepare it.
Included in the workshop fee:
- Demo of several ways to prepare matcha using S&B Mushroom+Matcha
- Sample of 2-3 matcha drinks
- Make your own (with all the help you want/need) matcha drink, full size
- A 30g tin of Mushroom + Matcha to take home with you ($25 value)
- Plus, get a 10% discount on all matcha accessories during the event.
Tickets are limited. Secure your spot today.
Sign up now! (https://steepandbloomtea.com/products/matcha-workshop-9-5-26)
Sept 5th 10am
Resonate + Create
Join us for a restorative and creative morning designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and express what’s ready to emerge within.
Resonate + Create is a two-hour immersive experience that begins with a deeply calming sound bath. Through the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls and other healing instruments, you’ll be guided into a state of rest where the nervous system can unwind, the mind can soften, and presence becomes easier to access. To deepen your relaxation, each guest will be provided with a soothing eye mask to support inward focus and sensory rest while immersed in sound.
Following the sound bath, you’ll transition into a guided watercolor affirmation card workshop. Using intuitive prompts and simple watercolor techniques, you’ll create a personalized affirmation card that reflects your intentions, inner truth, or the energy you wish to carry forward. This experience is not about artistic skill—it’s about expression, reflection, and allowing what arises to flow onto the page.
During the creative portion, enjoy a curated tea service provided by Steep & Bloom, offering a nourishing and grounding complement to your experience as you create.
You’ll leave with a meaningful piece of art and a renewed sense of clarity, calm, and connection.
What's Included:
*One-hour sound bath experience
*Soothing eye mask
*Guided intention-setting practice
*Watercolor affirmation card workshop
*All art materials provided
*Tea service by Steep & Bloom
This beginner-friendly workshop is open to everyone—no experience is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat and any additional props you'd like for your comfort. Come as you are and leave feeling grounded, inspired, and creatively renewed. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle into the space, the sound bath will start promptly at workshop start time.
The sound bath will be led by Candice Swee RYT 500 and the watercolor affirmation card creation to follow will be lead by Abbey Gorsage, artist + creator.
This workshop requires a minimum of six participants to run. If the minimum is not met, your registration will be credited toward a make-up session scheduled for Sunday, September 27th from 12–2 PM.
Sign up here! (https://book.squareup.com/classes/fpf7u5gl0v0bnx/location/LEHGKF798E5YP/classDetails/clssch_hek4hw7uhl2si3?dateStart=1788793200&fbclid=IwY2xjawUGcF1wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMURkb1pkQ0N6YzdRSFVtQTRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEepc8d_tajtBEITYY_bEOuo0QjfmPJiWYg7-IkhI-CJ7d43GgYRhs0uv0whg0_aem_sgNlnNQnQLtfR5f776ir5w)
Sept 7th 10-12pm
Mahjong Mondays - Open Play and Lessons
Join us for Mahjong in the gallery, sponsored by MidMoMahjong (2 Bam Loaves)!
Open play or lessons depending on the week.
Learn more and sign up here! (https://mid-missouri-mahjong-club.bamgoodtime.com/)
Mondays at 6-8:30pm
ComoCabaret presents: A Cabaret for All Seasons
Time takes center stage in this celebration of songs inspired by dates, months, years, and the changing seasons. Explore the moments that mark our lives, proving there's a perfect song for all seasons.
Featuring performances by Blake Bard, Samantha Boisclair, Grace Floerke, Luca Freccia, Sophie Heimerl, Yasha Mikolajczak, Benjamin Miller, Haley Mullen, and Ryan Stem. Directed by Corey Dunne.
Get your tickets here! (https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/comocabaret/a-cabaret-for-all-seasons?fbclid=IwY2xjawUGcshwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMURkb1pkQ0N6YzdRSFVtQTRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeeBBM2hTxeurUZQd2pjVBbgRZkI9D9PzsIeCGANPRDuFoHf6TIC_maO8jykY_aem_FfrtexB5Y-DZRMOY0AT-Dw)
Sept 18th 7pm
Afternoon Tea with Steep & Bloom
Inspired by its British roots, our afternoon tea service brings this timeless tradition to life inside the beautiful Serendipity Gallery. Enjoy a selection of fine teas hand-blended by Steep & Bloom served with fresh scones, jam, and cream, an assortment of savory bites and classic finger sandwiches, and a spread of sweet treats. Each element is thoughtfully prepared to create a special experience for all guests.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring a quiet afternoon, our afternoon tea service offers a truly memorable escape.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be treated like royalty? Grab your friends and loved ones and join Steep & Bloom Tea and Serendipity Polish Pottery & Gallery, located downtown on Walnut Street near Tenth, for this indulgent and special experience.
Get your tickets here! (https://steepandbloomtea.com/)
Oct 4th, Nov 1st, Dec 13th
Halloween Mahjong Open Play
Don your favorite costume, or not, and join us for a fun morning of Mahjong open play, while also supporting a worthy organization!
Chapter NC, P.E.O. of Columbia, MO is hosting this event to raise funds for the international projects supported by the women of P.E.O.
If you want to know more, go here: peointernational.org.
Basically, we provide grants, loans and scholarships to women who are pursuing all levels of higher education and who are promoting peace around the world.
Mid Mo Mahjong will be our host and facilitator for this event. All sets will be provided, but please bring your own card, if you have one. Some extras will be available, if needed.
While we won't have a beginner's lesson, all levels are welcome. If you've played at all...come on!
And, if you'd like a lesson or two before you come to this event, please join us at Serendipity every Monday evening at 6:00. Register with Mid Mo Mahjong. Or, give Elizabeth a yell at Serendipity, and she'll work out some way for you to learn.
It's fun! Believe me!
We're providing yummy small bites, drinks and some really great raffle prizes, including a whole brand new Mahjong set!
Reserve your seats at the link below, and bring your friends!
Seating is limited, so don't wait too long!
Sign up now! (https://checkout.square.site/merchant/4YWB8Y4AN9H7H/checkout/VMLBLQBWMQJTP5AOOQRPQU3B?fbclid=IwY2xjawUGf7BwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUUyZnp6OTRRelBiTzgxODlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEei-FVW4T9W3mxnzTcGjdQbAKaS1IX_O3r79hLUTfc1cwlz-D6GOgRpaK4xeE_aem_5srPE-uwKnfUzdAFGs2KkQ)
Oct 31st 10am-1pm
Artful Afternoons
Join us for an all-ages afternoon of creativity and art-making! Bring something you’re already working on or borrow our supplies and use this time to create!
Free and open to the public
Saturdays 1-3pm
Gift Gallery
Our gift gallery is ready for autumn! Shop fall-themed Polish Pottery and local art in-store and online now!
Check out our fall Polish Pottery patterns! (https://www.serendipitysalonandgalleryshop.com/shop/polish-pottery/ZDLKB2VHI6DXQPDOBERBGCIC?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=popularity_score&sort_order=desc)
Check out our new arrivals! (https://www.serendipitysalonandgalleryshop.com/shop/new-arrivals/53?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=created_date&sort_order=desc)
Stay up to date on all the great items in the gift gallery on our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SerendipitySalonandGallery) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/serendipitysalonandgallery/) !
Did you know? We are proud purveyors of Polish Stoneware!
Polish Stoneware originated as folk art in the 18th century, and the village of Boleslawiec continues this tradition to this day. Each piece is hand-stamped and painted with varying intricacy of designs, and can be mixed and matched or bought as sets. Each design comes in every form, from dishware to picture frames and much more!
Click here (https://www.serendipitysalonandgalleryshop.com/shop/polish-pottery/ZDLKB2VHI6DXQPDOBERBGCIC?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc) to see our entire collection, and stop by the shop to see these incredible pieces in person!
What's in the Gallery?
I have spent my career looking for what other people walk past. In 100: What Time Creates, that meant photographing the human body at the far edge of a long life. In this exhibition, it means something smaller and closer to the ground: a banana peel, a newspaper bag, a smear of color on a blank surface. The scale has changed. The questions have not. FOUND comprises 3 separate bodies of work with a unified theme.
Discarded Banana Peels began with the most unremarkable object I could find, what's left after the fruit is gone. A peel is thrown away without a second thought, but when I slowed down to actually look, I found elegant curves, folds, and fragile textures inside it. Each one records a small history of use and release, something that was once full of purpose and is now transformed into an unexpected kind of beauty. I photograph them so that you might see them differently too, not as waste, but as forms with gesture and presence. Beauty, these images argue, doesn't require newness or wholeness. It can live in what is fleeting and already spent.
Stuff on the Ground widens that same gaze outward, into whatever I happen to come across. These are objects I did not choose in advance and did not stage; I found them, looked closely, and photographed them into something new. Not everything on the ground earns a photograph. It has to give me something first, an irony, an unexpected beauty, a formal surprise, before I raise the camera. The series is less about the objects themselves than about the act of noticing, proof that attention is its own kind of transformation.
Painting is the newest direction in my practice, and the abstract works in New Work are where I am teaching myself a different visual language under the guidance of artist, Jen Wiggs. Where my photographs start with something already in the world and ask you to see it differently, these paintings start with nothing, only color, shape, and texture, and ask me to build meaning from scratch. They are studies as much as finished statements: a record of what I am learning about mark-making, composition, and color when I am no longer working through a lens.
Across all three bodies of work, the throughline is the same instinct that has always driven my photography: a refusal to let the ordinary go unexamined. Whether the subject is a hundred-year-old body, a discarded peel, or a passage of paint, I am interested in the same act of pausing, reconsidering, and finding what is easy to overlook.
Wellness Studios and Suites
Suite 1 - Savannah Myers Beauty (https://www.instagram.com/savannahmyers_beauty/)
Licensed Nail Technician and Esthetician
Suite 2/4 - Pastel Waxing (https://pastelwaxing.com/)
Licensed Esthetician, Full Body Waxing, Facials
Suite 3 - Fluid Sports Bodywork and Massage Therapy (https://fluid-bodywork.com/)
Licensed Massage Therapist
Suite 5 - Sunitha Lea, LLC (https://sunithalea.com/)
Business Counselor
Suite 6 - Transcendental Meditation
Suite 7 - FUEL Performance Nutrition, LLC (https://www.fuel-performancenutrition.com/)
Nutritionist
Suite 8 - The Cuticle Next Door: Samantha Nielsen (https://www.instagram.com/thecuticlenextdoor/)
Licensed Nail Technician and Esthetician
Suite 9 - Private Studio
Suite 10 - Brand New You
Salon and Barber
Event Space
We can host it all here!
Looking for an upscale venue to host your event? We can host it all! Equipped with a stage, patio, grand piano, bar, and plenty of seating, our gallery is the perfect spot for your next party, business meeting, recital, and so much more! Contact us for more information, and come check out the space - the possibilities are endless!
Click here for a free 10% coupon at Serendipity Polish Pottery and Gallery!
