TROY (02/12/21) -- A new business specializing in potted plants will open in downtown Troy this Saturday.

All plants at Butterfly Plant Studio are hand-selected for quality, thoughtfully planted in a variety of stylish pots, and carefully maintained at the studio. Some are small and can fit on a desk, while others reach the ceiling. Plant varieties include fiddle fig leaf, African mask (alocasia polly), philodendron Swiss cheese, philodendron monstera, banana leaf, snake plant,, palm sago, bird’s nest (sansevieria), and ponytail palm among many others. Larger plants include peace lilies and dracaena.

“There are so many benefits to having plants at home or in the office, which for a lot of people is the same place these days,” said Studio Curator Angela Kanaan. “There’s a real demand for plants to boost your mood, reduce stress and keep you company.”

Kanaan seeks out high-quality, out-of-the-ordinary plants then uses her artistic eye to arrange the plants in pleasing presentations that will complement any space.

Home Decor, Locally Made Jewelry + Artwork

The shop will also sell imported home decor items like meditation pillows, hand woven rugs, vintage bamboo baskets and other accent items imported from Tibet, India and other places.

The studio’s featured artists include Kanaan, painter Armando Soto, and jewelry designer Theresa Albanese, who has created an exclusive line of jewelry for the studio.

“When Angela suggested a plant store, I loved her vision to make it more than just a plant store, but a place where people will also be able to sell and show their artwork,” said owner Vasilios “Bill” Neroulias. “I think it will be a very good thing for the community. Everybody can appreciate beautiful things and nature.”

Kanaan is a graduate of the College of Saint Rose in Albany, where she studied fine art. She has taught art classes at the Albany Academy, the Broken Mold Studio and the Arts Center of the Capital Region and has lived in Troy for more than 20 years. She describes her work as methodical, but also floral and whimsical.

Armando Soto is a Troy-based artist and educator. His colorful paintings are inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage, Taino symbols, and images from ancient cultures. He has created murals with Troy Alley Action project, teaches classes at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, and his work has been displayed in the New York State Museum, the Martinez Gallery in downtown Troy, and many other venues.

“The bright colors in these pieces creates an interesting feeling with the plant life Angela has selected for the studio,” said Soto.

Theresa Albanese is the owner of River Rocks bead shop on River Street in Troy, where she has been selling her jewelry for more than 12 years. Her work centers around natural gemstones and features feminine, organic designs. Albanese’s special collection for Butterfly Plant Studio is inspired by nature, flowers and foliage.

The studio is located at 1809 Fifth Ave., and is owned by Neroulias. The space formerly housed B-Rads Bistro. The former restaurant space has since been divided, with one half housing Butterfly Plant Studio and the other half housing Over Easy, a new breakfast and lunch take-out restaurant. Audrey Rosaria Salon, an eco-conscious hair salon, is located on the second floor of the building.

Butterfly Plant Studio will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Customers and staff will be required to wear masks, and customers will be limited to 6 at a time.

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