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Hannah Davis of Belpre displays her work at the levee in Marietta. She will participate in Artists Sunday from noon-4 p.m. Sunday in the 100 block of Front Street in Marietta in an event hosted by Clutch Collective and Marietta Makery.
MARIETTA – Two shops in Marietta will bring a global event to town on Sunday.
Artists Sunday will be hosted by Clutch Collective and Marietta Makery to celebrate the artwork of local and regional artists from noon-4 p.m. Sunday in the 100 block of Front Street and start a new tradition to the season’s biggest shopping weekend.
The event falls between Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday and was established in 2020 to support local artists by purchasing their 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 lives, communities and the economy.
“The Shop Local movement has continued to gain momentum, especially in the wake of the pandemic, as more and more people recognize the local economic impact of supporting independently-owned small businesses,” Sarah Arnold, owner of Clutch Collective, said.
The impact is more significant when choosing to support local artists and makers, she said.
“Now, you are impacting multiple local businesses, owned by local people, often your friends and neighbors, with one purchase,” Arnold said. “And those business owners are much more likely to invest those dollars right back into the community.”
For every dollar spent at a locally-owned small business, 70 cents stays in the community, as opposed to 30 cents on the dollar spent at a big box store and nothing staying local when spent at online retailers like Amazon. In addition to employing local workers and purchasing local services and materials, those small businesses also give, on average, 250% more to community causes.
“It’s hard to argue with the convenience of online shopping, but it’s also hard to ignore the incredible impact made when you choose to shop local and support local makers,” Arnold said. “We 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.”
Clutch Collective on Sunday will host Hannah Davis, a Belpre artist who uses painted cut paper to create cheerful illustrations, greeting cards and stickers, among other items. Live festive music from the Two Tonez Acoustic Duo will begin at 1 p.m.
Marietta Makery will host two local artists, ceramic and watercolor artist Ben Gutberlet and painter and textile artist Beth Nash. Greta Guimond, the owner of Marietta Makery, also is hosting a seasonal paper ornament Make n’ Take activity for shoppers as an introduction to the many creative classes at the Makery.
Both shops will be giving away raffle tickets with every purchase for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from each shop.
“Art plays an important role in strengthening the social fabric of our community. By supporting local artists, it encourages a more vibrant and attractive downtown for everyone to enjoy,” Guimond, local artist and owner of Marietta Makery, said. “I’m so excited to be part of Marietta’s first Artists Sunday in partnership with Clutch Collective! What better way to celebrate our amazing artist community than by showcasing their creativity and giving the Mid-Ohio Valley an opportunity to enjoy their work.”
