5 questions + 5 facts about 1 person you should know.

Kari Leigh Heath  |  O’Toole Merchants |  marketstreetmediafoundry.com | myspace.com/klheath

5 Facts
1. I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida
2. I am 28 years old.
3.  My day job is a Wine Rep for Wine Adventures, Art sales,  Art Teacher,   Artist
4.  My dream job is ( along with my current  day jobs)  Seasonal Farmer, Foster Parent.
5. You can find me at any coffee shop in Des Moines, at the Des Moines Art Center, at any Wine Shop or Bar (I like the local ones),  Market Street Media Foundry, fabric stores, second- hand stores.  gardening,  driving almost anywhere, I like to get around ……….

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As you can probably tell, Kari Heath is a woman of many interests and talents.  A transplant from Northern California,  Kari says she’s sometimes “not sure anymore what brought her to Des Moines.”  But to Des Moines she moved and took the job as Mars Cafe manager in 2006 where she continued to pursue her art and interest in art, fashion, and food, and eventually took a job with Wine Adventures as a Wine Rep.  Kari always seems to be pursuing the next project, which for now includes teaching at the Des Moines Art Center and her new business  O’Toole Merchants, a collection of handmade clothing, goods and art made by independent designers that Kari sells at shows all over the country, including Craft Saturday.

Although the Florida native says she could live without the cold & snow, Kari loves that people  in the Des Moines art and culture community are “incredibly supportive and inclusive,”  of one another.    As for whats next Kari says, “Lots of collaboration!  My favorite thing in the world.
Working with others and seeing others work with each other.   Its like one big fucking productive Orgy.”
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Kari sells unique items made by independent artists, like this umbrella, through her business O'Toole Merchants

5 Questions:

1. One thing people don’t know about you? I love shucking ysters.

2. Favorite Local Musician/Artist? Right now, Amy Wendt-  she is just a great freaking gal, artist, and I am sure she could make some music.

3. One person in Des Moines everyone should know? The Cheese Guy! (otherwise knowsn as CJ the “Cheese Specialist” from Gateway Market)

4. What the next show or event you’re excited about? Its a surprise but it will be around the first week of September and located at Market Street Media Foundry if all goes well.

5. If you were Des Moines’ superhero, what would your name and powers be?
Kar-bear!  Like the bears with the tummy power, but my power would be pretty freaking great, not the typical rainbow crap. something way more dominating,  I would defently wear boots!  And people would want to hug me as well as run like hell. from me.  Kind of weird because I think that already pretty true.    What would be on my “Tummy?”  Tummy just sounds weird, but what ever.

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