Artist Ryan Love and co-owner Peter Westphaelen have opened Houndstooth, a gallery and artisan shop at 2701 N. 21st St. in Tacoma's North End.

Love spent years making pop art-inspired paintings on commission. Houndstooth marks the first time his work is available in a permanent, public space.

The couple leased the building a few years ago as Love's private studio. Before that, the address housed other small retail businesses, including Evolve Home + Apparel, The News Tribune reported in June.

The paper reported a soft opening was planned for mid-July. Community posts on Instagram from August show the shop receiving visitors.

Houndstooth is split down the middle. One half is Love's working studio, where finished pieces hang for sale. The other half stocks artisan goods: prints, puzzles, candles, glassware and adult craft kits.

Westphaelen told South Sound Magazine that visitors often see Love's art and say they could never do that.

He disagrees. "That's categorically untrue … you just gotta start somewhere," Westphaelen said.

That philosophy shaped the shop side. Westphaelen said they chose products meant to make visitors feel like they can be creative themselves.

The name is a nod to the couple's pet greyhounds. A store dog named Olive greets visitors, according to an Instagram post.

Westphaelen told The News Tribune the shop is colorful, warm and inviting, with Love's art hanging in the front windows.

The window displays are built from recycled materials, including the cardboard boxes merchandise arrives in. He described the art as "more inspirational, more colorful, more vibrant."

There is no Houndstooth website or online shop. Westphaelen said Love is focused on in-person connection and local accessibility.

The owners plan to eventually host local musicians for live performances at the space.

Store hours have not been finalized, but Westphaelen said in June the shop would likely be open Wednesday through Sunday. Love still uses the space as a working studio a couple of days each week.

Houndstooth is at 2701 N. 21st St. in Tacoma.