BLUESTEM

TEXAS TREASURES

UNIQUE PURVEYORS True to their roots

Aunique store where patrons will find that every item is made in Texas, Bluestem of Shiner was founded by shop-owners Ross and Patricia Tieken to afford local artists, artisans and craftsmen a way to market their wares to the public.

SHINER’S BLUESTEM OFFERS TRULY TEXAN TREASURES FROM AROUND THE STATE

by Michelle Banse Stokes, photos by Lori Raabe

“Years ago, I worked on the Shiner Main Street Committee,” said Ross. “I interviewed several artists in the area and every single one said the reason they don’t sell their art is because they have no place to sell it. We started carrying different artists – what we defined as local – and then shifted to offering the opportunity to the entire state of Texas.”

The variety of items that Bluestem carries run the gamut from jewelry to jelly and wine to T-shirts. This Texas-only store carries something for everyone.

“We are always looking for new artists,” added Ross. “It is a never-ending search for different items that can be brought into the store. Our customers like to see something different every time they come in. We have jewelry, pens, leatherworks, paintings, pottery, wind chimes, soaps, fresh cheese, a wide variety of Texas wines, using exclusively Texas grapes, and even mantels.”

A woodworker by trade, Ross also uses Bluestem as a way to display his own furniture. Concerned that Patricia might be bored, the Tiekens installed a commercial kitchen, something they both could use. Patricia, known far and wide for her baking, prepares sweet pies on Fridays and Ross bakes their popular cinnamon rolls every Saturday, along with some type of bread.

“I am the only thing in here that isn’t from Texas,” Patricia shared with a laugh. “Plus, I have no artistic ability at all. My role is to bake and run the store, doing the ordering and inventory. During

Bluestem owners Ross and Patricia Tieken

TEXAS TREASURES

It is a never-ending search for different items that can be brought into the store. Our customers like to see something different every time they come in. “

the week, I make food for the freezer. These are meals that people can take home like chicken pot pies and casseroles. And the first Saturday of every month, Ross and I make New York style bagels that we offer in seven different varieties.”

And if a store full of Texas-based items, baked goods and homemade meals wasn’t enough, the Tiekens also offer grass-fed beef and heritage pork from their own farm.

“We work the farm every day,” said Patricia. “We even grind our own feed for the pigs; our beef and pork are a big deal.”

Special events at Bluestem, like farm days, blacksmith demonstrations and visiting chefs, offer patrons more opportunities to enjoy Texas art and merchandise, in many forms.

“We’re so proud to be able to work with, primarily, the people who contribute to all the Texas products we carry,” added Patricia. “Everything is very high quality.”

Bluestem is located at 4875 U.S. Highway 90A West, four miles west of Shiner between Shiner and Gonzales, and online at shinerbluestem.com.

Top, Bluestem is situated along the rolling countryside right outside of Shiner; bottom, patrons never know what kind of artistic treasure they may find when they visit the store.