Airbrush Shop Unhappy With El Dorado Commission

This is Ellen’s Airbrush, a new business to downtown El Dorado.

Owner Ellen Hendricks is an airbrush and sign artist—so when it came to making signs for her own business, making them herself was a no brainer.

Hendricks said, “My landlord told me the day I signed my lease to do whatever it took to be successful.”

But now Ellen says the Downtown Historical Commission told her there are regulations and she’s not up to code.

Hendricks says the commission doesn’t like the color she has chosen but Ellen says it’s an airbrush shop and that’s what people expect to see.

Ellen says most everyday someone from the community stops in her shop to let her know they are in full support.

Tuesday our news crew caught just that-- a stranger stopping by to thank Ellen.

Hendricks said, “I’ve had so many people come in and support my position, come say they don’t particularly like the pink but they support my right to have it.”

The commission says they are glad Ellen’s opened in El Dorado but there are some rules she has to follow.

Ken Bridges is on the commission, “We want to work with businesses and make sure their unique character is preserved and they blend in to the whole character of the downtown area.”

Hendricks disagrees, “They are trying to save downtown but how can they save it if it’s full of empty buildings and if I have to move this building will be empty again.”

Hendricks says she’s not quite sure what will happen to the exterior of her building yet. She’s waiting for a meeting with the historic commission in two weeks.