Photography by Werner Segarra Lety and John Meza

Owners: Lety and John Meza

Opened: November 2008

Location: 2825 N. 24th St., Phoenix

Hours:  Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and by appointment

Phone: (602) 840-0085

Website: mezasinart.com

History: Mexico native Lety Meza, who has a degree in art, has long shared her love for the traditional handcrafted wares of her homeland with Phoenix-area shoppers. For years she co-owned a central-Phoenix imports shop, El Pueblito. After the store closed, Lety and husband John (pictured) decided to carry on the tradition of bringing Mexican imports to the area by opening Meza’s In Art in the same location.


Philosophy: A main product focus is custom furniture, much of which Lety distresses and paints by hand. The shop owner says she brings “elegance” to rustic pieces. “We try to add our touch of art and color to really bring out the beauty of the furniture,” John explains.

Lety Meza distressed and added bright color to this one-of-a-kind pine wood corner piece from Puebla, Mexico.

Imported from Guanajuato, Mexico, this oil painting depicting the Virgen de San Juan de los Lagos is presented in a pine frame.

 

What’s in store: Rustic and handcrafted Mexican wares gain new life in this quaint shop. Antique church doors and tree branches become charming dining room tables, while other pieces are simply restored with a fresh coat of paint. Much of the merchandise is produced by artisans in Puebla, Guanajuato and Guadalajara. Materials vary; wormwood, pine, alder and mesquite are among the choices. Authentic Talavera pots, tile murals and crosses from Puebla also can be found, along with Day of the Dead figurines, milagros-clad crosses and vintage hand-carved nichos displaying saints. Custom-painted furniture designs and custom orders for hard-to-find Mexican pieces are available as well.

Don’t miss: Colorful wooden retablos, ranging from 2 to 3 feet tall, are statement makers. The store’s collection from Guanajuato includes scenes featuring Christ, the Virgin Mary and angels.