Talk about Art

January may be the time to make – and break – New Year's Resolutions, but it's also a grand opportunity to pamper oneself. Especially if one actually goes through with the resolution to exercise more.

Personally, when my muscles feel sore from two too many burpees (and it can be argued that two burpees is twice as many as one needs), there's only one thing better than soaking in the tub with a good book, and that's soaking in a tub enhanced by a bath bomb locally made by personal care artists Art and Brenda Hall of Azure Mountain Botanicals (plus the good book, of course).

The couple creates an array of artisan soaps, balms, lotions, soaking salts, bath bombs, shaving soaps, and creams, many inspired by local culture and people: Deer Slayer soap was inspired by a young hunter; Dumas incorporates wine from the local winery by the same name; Peachy Keen and Strawberry Cream Ale is made with Laht Neppur Ales.

"Often, interactions with local people spur a design," Brenda explains.

"We try to locally source ingredients as much as possible."

Through January 27, Azure Mountain Botanicals is showcasing an array of their products at Wenaha Gallery, with an Art Event featuring color, form, shape, and aroma, this latter quality generally absent in a standard art show of paintings or sculpture. One block from the gym on Main Street, Wenaha is the perfect distance for a brisk cool-down walk, and the bath bombs are a work of art!

Wenaha Gallery, located at 219 East Main, Dayton, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.