HoyPoloi

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Hoypoloi at Downtown Disney West Side, located between Sosa Family Cigars Co. and Celebrity Eyeworks is half way between a store and an art gallery in which founder and owner Ron Hoy has brought together one-of-a-kind pieces that are created by artists from various regions of the United States although there is an unmistakable Asian overtone to Hoypoloi, most of the merchandise is created by American artists and all of which is for sale.

The store and its contents have a very strong almost Zen theme, with most being made from, or styled around naturally flowing forms (Water, Air, Wood, Stone etc). With a background of soothing music, and water trickling over Japanese river stones in the Zen fountains it's a very tranquil and soothing store to visit. The aroma of pine, sage and berry wafting around the store underlines the store's message in trying to create a tranquil home environment with handmade artwork and nature-related home products.

The Downtown Disney Hoypoloi is modelled after the original store / gallery in Chicago's historic Chinatown. The high ceilings and exposed brick wall are all a part of the Zen-like theme, with colour schemes of salmon and sage being harmonious with the elements of wood and stone.

Amongst many other items the store offers one-off items including Zen fountains with water flowing over Japanese River stones. Contemporary artworks made of glass, steel, and ceramics. Superbly and elegantly crafted wooden boxes. Designer clocks and timepieces, and a large collection of wind chimes.

Hoypoloi's signature items include Various items of light sculpture, accent furniture, and smaller decorative accessories, Zen fountains, a Japanese painting board, and a red incense coil from an 18th century Japanese maker of premium incense.

One of the store's signature items is its Japanese Zen Board ($30). When water is applied to the paper board, the brush stroke turns black; when it dries, the image disappears forever, illustrating the importance of "enjoying the moment."

Artwork for sale varies from day to day, however, merchandise in the past has included the following items:

• Hand-carved teakwood Buddha head ($450)
• Zen stone gardens of varying sizes ($30-$65)
• hand-carved and hand-tuned wind chimes made of mahogany obsidian needles (cylindrical rocks formed from ancient volcanic lava) ($53)
• Whimsical, animal-shaped lamps ($150-$210)
• Hand-carved teakwood elephant sculpture ($1,200)
• Greeting cards decorated with hand-dyed paper and origami ($10)
• Ceramic vessels with decorative lids ($30)
• handmade beaded jewelry with new and antique beads (earrings $20, necklaces $130)
• Pillows decorated with antique embroidery ($120)

If you get the chance Hoypoloi is one store that you really should visit, though be careful as all breakages must be paid for and some of the price tags are frightening!

The stores architecture, planning and design, lighting and fixture design, ADA compliance, and logo design was executed by "Image By Design" in Niles, IL, a division of Dann Dee Display Fixtures.

Sunday 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.   Monday 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.   Tuesday 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.   Wednesday 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.   Thursday 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.   Friday 10:30 a.m.-midnight.   Saturday 10:30 a.m.-midnight. (407) 827-0112.