Green Dog Gallery, another Englewood business

When looking across the landscape of businesses that Russ Lawrence has created and nurtured in Englewood, one has to wonder if there's anything the visionary businessman won't undertake. 
Successfully operating Changing Seasons Gift Gallery and Flowers in a sluggish retail environment, Lawrence keeps customers coming back with his ever-changing displays and diversity of unique home décor and gift products. Adding a full-service florist and wedding planning operation to the gift shop, Lawrence has triumphed in building new business and drawing consumers to the west side of Independence.
Travelers heading west from Changing Seasons on Winner Road will catch sight of the Englewood Botanical Gardens tucked into a small plot of earth on Hardy Avenue.  Anchored by architectural pieces designed and constructed by Lawrence, the expertly landscaped retreat reveals Lawrence’s skill and imagination in garden design and horticulture. 
A source of limitless creativity and boundless energy, Lawrence has embarked on his third project in the Englewood business district, restoring and renovating a vacant Winner Road building to house Green Dog Gallery. 
Among Lawrence's long list of talents is his imagination and ability as an artist in various media. Desiring to create a destination for art appreciation, creation, and instruction, Lawrence took possession of the Cauger Building and restructured it to include exhibit, studio and classroom space. 
Visitors to the gallery will have an opportunity to observe artists at work in any of the space’s 10 studios. The experience will give aficionados and aspiring artists an intimate look at the creative process and watch the evolution of artwork from conception through completion. The artists-in-residence will also offer instruction in the gallery’s classroom space in a wide range of styles and crafts. 
Green Dog Gallery strives to be a destination to not only view art but cultivate creative talent and study. As part of its educational mission, the gallery artists are in the process of developing a mentoring program for school children.
Local students will be given the chance to display artwork in the gallery and receive scholarships for individual instruction by one of the Green Dog residents.
Guests are invited to an open house at Green Dog Gallery on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 7 until 9 in the evening. A special exhibit is being installed for the opening with resident artists on hand to meet guests and unveil their studio spaces.
Live entertainment, cocktails and hors d'oeurvre will complete the evening's celebratory ambiance. The event is free of charge and open to the public.