(Photo by Evan Bevins) Marietta artist Ben Gutberret works on a painting at Marietta Makery during Artist Sunday.
(Photo: Evan Bevins) Parkersburg resident Olivia Williams works on a mural at First City Records, where she is a part-time employee. Her art was featured when First City joined other Front Street Marietta businesses in the global Artist Sunday initiative.
(Photo by Evan Bevins) Marietta artist Ben Gutberret works on a painting at Marietta Makery during Artist Sunday.
Local recognition of the global Artist Sunday initiative began last year with two downtown Marietta businesses and expanded to six in 2024.
“And next year we will go to the world.” Marietta Makery owner Greta Guimond laughed.
In 2023, Guimond’s business partnered with Clutch Collective and owner Sarah Arnold on an initiative to support local artists by encouraging the purchase of unique handmade gifts for the holidays to Marietta. This year, Front Street peers First City Records, Terry Anne’s, Thread Boutique, and Wit & Wimsey participated.
“Right now, I just hope it continues to grow every year.” Arnold said.
The Clutch Collective featured the work of artists with developmental differences from the Wood County Society’s Artbeat Studio.
(Photo: Evan Bevins) Parkersburg resident Olivia Williams works on a mural at First City Records, where she is a part-time employee. Her art was featured when First City joined other Front Street Marietta businesses in the global Artist Sunday initiative.
“We thought this was a great opportunity to enhance their mission.” Arnold said.
Arnold said more than 300 artists from local, regional and other parts of the country will perform, including Clutch Collective, Marietta Makery and Wit and Whimsy.
Given these similarities and the fact that her business is already open on Sundays, it was a natural fit to participate in this year’s Artist Sunday initiative, says Laura Pytlik, owner of Wit & Whimzy. speaks.
“We wanted to have people here with unique products.” she said. small artists and makers “It’s really hard to stand out in a sea of big box stores.”
Wit & Whimzy’s featured artist was Michele VanMatre of Appalachian Anthropologie. She said they reuse various items to provide new gifts and preserve the region’s culture and roots. Among her offerings is a series of greeting cards made from old family photos, with $1 from each card donated to a local school lunch program.
Marietta Makery featured over half a dozen artists representing a variety of media. Guimond said they not only sell products at the store, but also teach classes there.
Williamstown resident Darby Stevens was weaving baskets alongside Devorah resident Beth Nash, who uses needle felt to create unique dolls.
“I think we both enjoy showing other people what we do.” Stevens said.
First City Records’ main product revolves around the art form of music, so it made sense for it to participate in the event, owner Aaron White said.
“This is another opportunity to join and be a part of the Marietta Main Street community.” he said.
In conjunction with the event, part-time employee Olivia Williams continued to create a vintage 1970s-style mural in the store, but this time during regular business hours.
“I usually work at night after the store closes.” she said from the top of the ladder.
Arnold and Pitlik said traffic was steady throughout the afternoon and it wasn’t just local residents. Mary Scramba and Linda Petty returned from Monroe Falls near Akron.
“We love Marietta. We come here often.” Petty said.
Skrumba said the trip was specifically planned to include Small Business Saturday and Artist Sunday. They stayed at the Lafayette Hotel, praising its staff and style, and saw a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute at the People’s Bank Theater.
