Casa Verde Imports is the vision and creation of Jennifer and Brian Green. This is not just an ordinary store; no this is an adventure through a unique collection of Mexican treasures, built on passion and the deep respect for the artisans whose work, cultures, and stories grace the interior and exterior at 7633 Highway 6 in Arthur, Ontario.
Brian, a contractor by trade, had been spending every winter for more than 35 years living in his van, somewhere in Mexico. He developed a great love and respect for the people, the culture and the craft. Brian and Jennifer became a couple twelve years ago and discussions about starting up the business that Brian had previously done but for various reasons had closed, began in earnest. Jennifer and Brian embarked on a trip to Mexico and about eight years ago Casa Verde Imports was born. For Jennifer falling in love with Mexico took mere days and she instantly shared Brian’s passion for the project of bringing Mexican handcraft home to share.
I could feel the passion grabbing me through the phone, in my conversation with Jennifer, a former glassblower and artisan in her own right, as she described her love and respect of the Mexican culture and its people. Both Jennifer and Brian adore the beauty and inspiration of what they have created in Casa Verde Imports.
Casa Verde Imports is 2,000 sq. feet filled with unique, one of a kind Mexican fine furniture, made of exotic hardwoods and reclaimed pine. The textiles call out to visitors to “Please feel me!” Colourful pottery and ceramics are exquisite. There are many statues and characters who seem to whisper to all who view them. Any of the decorative pieces would look great in any home they are adopted into. Jennifer and Brian can speak to where each piece comes from and all about the artist. Jennifer describes these treasures as “Eye Candy,” and delights in hearing the visitors’ reactions, such as “Oh my Gawd!” and “Such beautiful colours!” Their Mexican clients come into Case Verde, take a big breath and swear it “Smells like home”. Everyone who visits feels the store has a “good energy”.
The Greens spend three and a half months in Mexico every year, living and travelling in their campervan. They drive all the back roads in the country looking for artisans in little towns away from tourists and commerce. Jennifer tells me that most days she and Brian get up in the morning and wander as the spirit moves them. They stop and talk to the local people wherever they see something interesting. They do it all over again the next day and this is how their time is spent. The duo has fallen in love with the people and cultures everywhere they go in Mexico. In fact, the Greens live a never-ending adventure in their search for exquisite artisan treasures.
All the sourcing and decisions as to what to bring back to Casa Verde, as well as their purchases is based on fair and equitable trade with the Mexican artisans. Jennifer and Brian have become friends with many of these people, with whom they spend time talking and learning all about each of the pieces they bring back to Ontario.
When I asked Jennifer what her favourite part of their business is, I could hear the intensity of their devotion to their friends, artisans, and their culture throughout our conversation. It is their travel through Mexico and regularly seeing their friends that is their favourite part of the business. The Greens regularly go to their favourite towns in Michoacán, Jalisco, and Guanajuato. In fact, Jennifer says that they always spend a longer time in a campground that has become a second home to them, in a small mountain town in Michoacán. They have become very close friends with the folks there.
Jennifer and Brian are being educated on every visit to Mexico. The couple have learned from each artist how there is great honour and nobility in creating beauty in their art in Mexican communities. It is through listening intently to these people that Jennifer and Brian can communicate and express the artist’s meaning for each beautiful piece.
As mentioned above, Casa Verde is not merely a Mexican Gift Shop. A visit here is to be enjoyed for more than just a shopping spree. There is the El Milagro food truck operated by the Green’s Mexican friends. El Milagro serves authentic Mexican delicacies, and The Casa Verde Ice Cream Division, housed in a shipping container, stand off to the side of the parking lot. The Casa Verde Ice Cream Division offers not only scooped Central Smith ice cream but lots of yummy treats. Guests can relax at picnic tables, under umbrellas and there is even a hand washing station. It is hoped that folks will come, walk around, and enjoy themselves and then make it an annual event to visit Case Verde Imports. The Greens graciously welcome their repeat customers.
While you wander through Casa Verde, it will become evident just how interesting this place is. All the beautiful treasures are thoughtfully and lovingly placed to highlight their unique qualities. Whether displayed on a ladder, a wall, hanging from the ceiling, or on an amazing piece of furniture, they command closer inspection. The manner in which the objects d’art are shown, speaks to the Green’s dedication to their artists.
I asked Jennifer what message she would like to leave with people who read this article. She told me that she hopes that when someone picks up one of these extraordinary pieces of art, they will feel a deep connection to another person, place, and culture. She hopes any piece you pick up will draw you closer to a human art that is a unifying functional thing of beauty, something that everyone needs in their life. Hopefully the beauty of these exquisite treasures release serotonin and this remarkable atmosphere sparks an interest in trips to Mexico to enjoy and inspire happiness in their beautiful culture.
Casa Verde has plans to eventually expand their cement area outside to show off their BBQs and chimineas. We welcome you to visit the Casa Verde Imports website at www.casaverdeimports.ca to see their beautiful images and more information. You are also welcome to call: (519) 400-2077 or (519) 835-0153.
WRITTEN BY: MARILYN LEGGETT | PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDI SOLOWKA
RESOURCES: CASA VERDE IMPORTS, ARTHUR
