What works for me - Support Local Arts

I was thinking about the 16 Charitable Ways To Celebrate Valentine's Day article I posted right before V-Day, and recalled another idea I got from somewhere(not original to me). This isn't about pure charity, as the linked article is. This idea is about art festivals, craft fairs and gift buying. I enjoy going to the great art festivals and fairs that we have in our local community - and I always admire and appreciate the various original and handmade arts, clothing, jewelry, etc. But I can never afford to spend a bunch of money on myself. Now, I walk around them with the idea of what holidays or occasions I have to buy gifts for in the near future. So instead of getting a plastic toy from the local stuff-mart, I look around at the arts and crafts and see if I can buy a birthday gift at the fair. This also works for wedding, baby shower or holiday gifts. There are all kinds of unique and original T-shirts, kites, wind-chimes, hula-hoops, jewelry, and of course paintings, photographs and sculptures - among so many other things - all beautifully crafted. Last year I was able to buy some adorable and original tie-died onsies and socks for a couple of baby showers. I feel like I am supporting local artists and not buying a bunch of toxic junk made in *a large communist country that often has problems with lead paint, moldy drywall and poison in its products. I reason that I have to buy gifts for these occasions anyway, and like many people who enjoy a little "retail therapy" it feeds the need to shop and buy but it also helps the artist, blesses the recipient with something very unique.




The gift shops at local museums and state parks can also be a good place for unique gifts and by shopping there you're more than likely supporting a non-profit organization.

I think I might occasionally do a "what works for me" post, if it proves to work out. These are just little tips and such on a variety of subjects.


Photo by Wade Rockett.