by Mari Radtke
Paullina residents Chase and Erin (Wondergem) Loutsch, formerly of Remsen recently purchased an old building at the east end of Paullina’s main intersection. Wonderlous, a conglomeration name formed from surnames is pronounced “Wonderloos.” Inside was a lot of pieces. Lamps, paintings, furniture, vintage clothing, tools, rocks. There are so many things tucked into the relatvely small space. And in order to get their new venture started, many of these things need a home. Chase is there during regular business hours. It’s a great browse for great finds.
In time, there purchase is for use as a place to create. Erin was blessed with incredible artistic talent. Chase’s skills with tools and wood complement her art and hobbies well.
Their goal is to invite people of all ages and skills to come for fun in open, wild space. They are looking to bring together individuals and families to explore their artistic side. The art rules are limited, maybe nonexistent. The cost will be low to none. Art media are limited by imagination of the artist.

Planning and work are underway to start having pre-made kits in totes with pictures of what can be made from the parts inside.
Coming soon are project nights. The concept here is to set up supplies for a particular kind of art, canvas and paints with brushes, for example and let the artists do their thing. Not a painter? That’s okay, just wait a little bit. A stained glass project will come along, or maybe flowers and wood. Not only are art media unlimited, so is nature with its canvas. Nature walks for the very purpose of collecting items to create are considered for an activity. Erin and Chase are looking at scheduling different weekly activities. The whole idea is to “look at things differently, allowing people to play. It is to be magical and fun for all. We want to get to parents and kids to discover. We want to encourage family fun and make it easy and accessible.” said Erin. Like Iowa weather, this place will be inviting you to different things all the time.
Wonderlous is leaning into community, making the varied activities therapeutic. They want every one to feel welcome.
As the building improvements are made additional ideas are in place: virtual games such as golf or football, a greenhouse of sorts is the schedule. The couple are full of ideas and are excited to bring community into the magical world of creativity.
Hours and upcoming events will be posted on the windows and on the Facebook page.