Shop Small, Support Local Artists

The Picture of Happiness

Ah, the dilemma. You’re browsing at one of your hometown shops and spot a gorgeous pair of earrings. You flip the tag and discover they are handmade by a local artist. Cool. The price is amazingly reasonable considering the artist’s time and labor, not to mention the fact that these are not mass-produced earrings that thousands of other women will be wearing. These are unique. These make a statement.

You finger them a short while longer, think about the outfits they would enhance, and then for some reason decide not to buy them. “I can get something cheaper at Target or Wal-Mart,” you think, and then wander off to buy that $5 cup of coffee.

The Economic Impact of Local Artists

A recent study on the economic impact of art and artists was illuminating. It turns out we bring far more to the table than thought. Art events generate income via gas, food, lodging, and other purchases.

For example, let’s say you’re going to a concert. You buy the tickets, put gas in the car, and maybe eat out before the show. Once you get to the venue, you buy a drink, a tee-shirt or two, and a glow stick. After the show, you meet up with friends for a nightcap. Do you realize how many jobs you supported by attending that concert? Impressive, right?

Supporting Small Businesses

Shopping local and supporting small businesses is a big deal. You’re not just buying a pair of earrings; you’re supporting a web of dreams, jobs, and local employers. As an artist, I hope you will consider doing at least some of your Christmas shopping from shops that feature the work of local talent.

I am honored to say my scarves, photography, and menopausal themed cards can be found at Willow Bridge in Isanti, MN, and at Butterfly & Moon in St. Charles, Missouri. My scarves and photography are also for sale at North Folk Winery, in Stark, MN.

Breaking news! A line of notecards featuring photos of iconic Forest Lake School District locations is now exclusively on sale at Forest Lake Floral. What a thoughtful hostess gift or present for someone living away from home. What a fun way to write notes to your friends who think Forest Lake is somewhere in the polar ice cap! Be proud of your hometown, and your hometown artists!

Being an artist…the best part of my day!