Artists Sunday Returns to Downtown Marietta
Last year, two local shops joined forces to bring Artists Sunday, a global event, to downtown Marietta. This year, Clutch Collective and Marietta Makery are joined by First City Records, Wit & Whimzy, Threadz Boutique, and Teri Ann’s to host a special one-day event on Sunday, December 1st from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm to celebrate the work of local and regional artists.
Falling between Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, Artists Sunday was established in 2020 as a day to support local artists by purchasing unique, handmade gifts for the holidays. Artists Sunday is the world's largest art event, dedicated to supporting artists and recognizing the impact they have in enriching our lives, communities, and the economy.
This year’s event is expanded to six businesses on the 100 and 200 Blocks of Front Street and will feature over ten local artists, special in-store events, and a raffle giveaway.
(Photo by Michelle Waters) Clutch Collective features over 80 local, regional, and US artists
“Every year, more people recognize the importance of supporting small, independent, and locally owned businesses and how that support can positively impact the local economy,” said Sarah Arnold, owner of Clutch Collective. “That impact is even greater when you choose to buy from local artists and makers. Now, you are supporting multiple local businesses – owned by local people, often your friends and neighbors – with one purchase.”
For every dollar spent at a locally-owned small business, .70 cents stays in the community, as opposed to .30 cents per dollar spent at a Big Box store, or 0 cents per dollar spent at online retailers like Amazon. Local businesses that sell goods made by local artists keep those dollars even closer to home, rather than stocking mass-produced goods shipped in from out of state or overseas. Between Clutch Collective, Marietta Makery, and Wit & Whimzy, the three shops support well over 300 small artists and makers.
Ceramics by local artist Dave Brown at Wit & Whimzy
“Online shopping may be more convenient, but it’s hard to ignore the incredible impact made when you choose to shop local and support local makers,” said Arnold. “Our downtown businesses can help you find the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season, one that continues to give back to our community in countless ways.”
Each participating shop will feature a local artist or arts organization for Artists Sunday. Wit & Whimzy is hosting Michele VanMatre, owner of Appalachian Anthropologie. In addition to curating vintage goods from the region, Michele created her own line of greeting cards using family photos and donates a portion of every sale back to regional nonprofits.
“I’m very excited to host Appalachian Anthropologie in the shop,” said Laura Pytlik, owner of Wit & Whimzy. “Michele embraces her Appalachian roots and has a gift for telling stories that celebrate the rich history of the region. She also has an artistic flair for curating unique vintage items and giving them a second life.”
Olivia Williams working on her mural at First City Records
Threadz Boutique is featuring work by local artist and jewelry maker, Jenn Beckett of Designs by Jenn. Beckett’s unique earrings will be on display. Teri Ann's will be hosting local author Bonnie Donnelly. Donnelly recently published her book, Mr. Murphy: a Most Heavenly Cat.
First City Records is hosting local artist Olivia Williams. “Olivia will be showing off her giant new mural inside our store, and will be doing a live painting that we will later auction off,” said owner Aaron Whited. “Stop by and watch true talent in action!”
Several local artists will be set up inside Marietta Makery, including basket artist Darby Stevens, sculptor and painter Ben Gutberlet, painter Morgan Otto, pyrography artist Victoria Powell, photographer Bruce Wunderlich, and fiber artist and shop owner, Greta Guimond. Like last year, artists will be working on their pieces in real time, offering the community a look at how they create. Guimond is looking forward to introducing the community to these talented local artists.
“Artist Sunday is more than just an annual event - it’s a celebration of local talent and a reminder of the value that creativity brings to our lives,” said Guimond. “By supporting our local artists and artisans, we are contributing to building a thriving community where art can inspire others to explore their own creative paths. Marietta Makery is proud to join Clutch Collective and all of the participating downtown shops in showcasing a few of our amazing local makers.”
Ben Gutberlet painting at Marietta Makery for Artists Sunday in 2023
Clutch Collective is hosting Artbeat Studio’s Art from the Heart Shop, who will have seasonal items and gifts available for purchase during Artists Sunday. Artbeat Studio is one of nineteen programs and resources offered by Wood County Society. The backbone of Artbeat Studio is a group of talented artists with developmental differences creating masterpieces from up-cycled materials. The Art from the Heart Shop features items made by the artists who use the studio, and all proceeds go back to the studio and the artists. Since opening, the studio has worked with over 300 artists from the greater Mid-Ohio Valley region.
A Partner for Inclusion with Artbeat Studio, Clutch Collective will also be collecting donations for the studio. Those wishing to donate can bring items from the studio’s Amazon wishlist, which includes blue painters tape, duct tape, and polymer clay, or make a financial donation.
Throughout Artists Sunday, all purchases made at any participating shop will be entered to win a prize basket with gift cards, goods, and art from participating shops. The winning ticket will be drawn on Monday, December 2nd.
The community is invited to join in the celebration on Artists Sunday, December 1st from 12:00 to 4:00 pm on the 100 and 200 Blocks of Front Street in Downtown Marietta!