By Barbara Yoresh

Entertainment writer

VERO BEACH - The name of the gallery and boutique is taken from ancient Sanskrit meaning "balance."

Tulaa Gallery & Boutique of Local Spirit, located at 2036 14th Ave. in historic and artistic downtown Vero Beach, certainly embodies that definition and so much more.

"We just liked the sound of it. We all need some balance in our lives and Tulaa sounds feminine and artsy," said Ryan "Lizzie" Colket, one of four gallery owners.

Tulaa opened back in June and is located next door to the offices of the Cultural Council of Indian River County. The gallery/boutique is perfectly situated amid a burgeoning downtown district that plays regular host to Downtown Friday and other street festivals.

Owners Glenna Block, Ms. Colket, Kim Gibson and Beth McFeaters joined creative and marketing forces to present a colorful clearinghouse of unique and diverse items crafted by themselves, as well as by about a dozen consigning artisans.

This store is a treat for the senses and upon entering, one is immediately aware of paintings, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, soaps, note cards, hand-made journals with unique covers, tie-died, quilted and eco-friendly clothing, accessories and other goodies that are not usually seen.

There is, indeed "balance" in the varied displays of hand-made goods, which are hardly the "same-old, same-old" fare often seen elsewhere.

Where else but at Tulaa might one find a ceramic frog named "Olivia" who delights in sunbathing or sitting in a yoga lotus position? This captivating green gal will make you laugh and want to take her home.

Women will especially love the variety of one-of-a-kind jewelry offered at Tulaa including "story" necklaces crafted by Ms. McFeaters.

A line of eco-friendly clothing, including whisper-soft, bamboo apparel will soon be added to the line-up, Ms. Gibson said.

There is a fun-filled funkiness to be found here with a bit of "shabby chic" overtones.

One feels a nice sense of balance, a kind of yin and yang, which results in awareness that these wonderful items are being viewed with a broad smile.

There is a darling little child's corner which features small ceramics by Abigail, the 12-year-old daughter of Ms. McFeaters. More children's works will be featured by young crafters who have already found their own balance in artistry.

Tulaa is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays in season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (772) 778-8830.