Support your local artists!

"Support your local artist," may sound like a no-brainer, but have you thought about how much it impacts the local economy and community? Say you're on a vacation and want a special memento or a unique gift to take to your best friend. Take the time to find out where the local artists are, which galleries they're in or do they have open studio days? If you buy the perfect unique piece of jewelry, a beautifully blown glass container, a wooden bowl turned to perfection or that piece of pottery you can't resist, it will remind you of your special time. And the money you spent doesn't need to be a huge amount but it will have a big impact if many people spend locally... perhaps it'll help pay for a child's school, to buy groceries, fill a tank of gas... you get the picture.

So, spend some time going through the wonderful participants over the years of American Craft Week, check out their websites – here's an example, Alexis Moyer, one of ACW's 2017 Star Award winners, has pottery which will have you reaching for your wallet without a second thought. If you're in California be sure to look her up.

So, now go buy local craft and art. It will make a big difference and you will have a fun time hearing the stories from the artists or the gallery owner. They make great dinner party stories when you get home ...

Photo of Alexis Moyer courtesy of the artist's website