A large, long-haired dog named Einstein has created quite a stir among Oak Park Mall walkers and given his owner some free advertising.

Einstein, a nearly 2-year-old great Pyrenees, can often be spotted sitting calmly by the front door to Suzann Herr’s new shop, Artistry Weddings and Events, as Herr frantically prepares for the store’s opening.

While Einstein won’t be prowling the shop when it opens, Herr admits he has been an attraction for mall walkers and dog lovers, some of whom now know him by name. But by the end of the week, Herr hopes to turn shoppers’ attention to decorations for special events.

Artistry Weddings and Events, which is set to open Thursday next to Spirit Bear Academy and across from the CineMagic7 movie theater, rents and sells table linens and other decorations for weddings, graduation parties, anniversaries and celebrations. It rents linens such as runners, overlays, table cloths and sashes, along with LED-lighted chandeliers, curtains, vases, branches, columns and hair lights.

While event decorations is a new venture for Herr, who has been providing foster care for nine years, she said it has always been a passion. She said she has a lot of experience in clothing stores and retail and enjoys sewing, but always wanted to experiment on the creative side, so opening a wedding decoration store seemed natural.

“Weddings have so much beauty. They create such an ambience, you’re just in awe,” Herr said. “For me to create that, it’s just so fulfilling. There’s nothing else I want to do more.”

Artistry Wedding and Events actually opened in December 2011 in the strip mall attached to Jim’s SuperValu, but Herr soon decided to move to the mall. Since opening, Herr said she has kept up on the latest fashions, and continues to look for decorations and services to add to her wedding design repertoire.

Along with decorations, Herr offers invitations, which allows couples to match colors and designs for every aspect of the wedding. And while Herr is the store’s only employee for now, she has subcontractors for ironing and linen cleaning. Herr also offers private consultations and appointments, and even provides delivery and set up.

“A wedding is such a special event, it deserves special attention,” Herr said.

The business will be open three days per week, Herr said, and the other four days she will be available for private consultations by appointment. For more information, contact Herr at 507-437-0027 or 507-434-8006.