Join us for Sip + Shop, a series of gatherings at the L1 Retail Store that showcase local creative entrepreneurs with a curated shopping experience, drinks and bites, and good vibes.

Each month, our Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Peter Gaona of Reformed School, invites guest entrepreneurs to share their wares and connect with you. It’s an easy and joyful way to #SupportSouthSideArtists—come sip, shop, and show love to local makers!!

October's featured guests are Morocco B. Assouline, Founder and Managing Partner of Coalesce, and visual and textile artist IICKOMIQUE

COALESCE is a boutique consultancy dedicated to elevating personal brands, lifestyles, and experiences with artistry and intention. We guide individuals, families, and organizations in curating meaningful expressions of identity—whether through refined personal style, thoughtfully assembled art collections, or interior design that leave lasting impressions. Blending creativity with strategy, we bring clarity, elegance, and resonance to every detail, ensuring our clients’ stories unfold with sophistication and purpose.

Born in Trinidad & raised in the Virgin Islands. iickomique has built a practice bringing together the teachings of his father and being multi-cultural. The artist creates his works from a variety of used and non-traditional materials, motivated by his father encouraging him to “use what you have” and “there are no mistakes”.

Working with tea, watercolor, charcoal, pencil, inks + other materials on new and used paper. Seeking ways to create his work with materials and practices that make the smallest carbon footprint possible & embraces inspiration in the aging process of materials used.

All APL programs are free and open to the public. To help us continue to provide these programs and build a hub for arts & culture on the South Side, we appreciate donations of all sizes. Your support sustains the rich ecosystem of artists that make the Arts Block so vibrant. To make a donation, please visit our giving page.