Shop Local Campaign: Arts & Crafts Stores

Korrin B.

May 7, 2011 - 5:45 PM

Throughout my time of blogging, I have used several posts to highlight the fabulous array of local businesses Eugene has to offer. I believe in shopping local whenever possible. Not only does it help the community, but the items you purchase are just of such better value.

It is quite possible that I have highlighted Oregon Art Supply in my blog before. Oregon Art Supply is located downtown and is a personal favorite. The big box atmosphere of a place like Michael's just doesn't jive with me like that of a mellow little art store like Oregon Art Supply. This is also true of Mindy's Needlepoint Factory in the Fifth Street Market. Mindy's Needlepoint Factory and Oregon Art Supply are two of my favorite local arts and crafts businesses here in Eugene.

The staff at Oregon Art Supply is always friendly and knowledgeable in all of their products. The neat thing about the staff is that it is not composed of just any Tom, Dick, or Harry, but of actual people practicing and studying art. They care about the projects you come there to create. Oregon Art Supply also has great products. I love going there during their canvas sales. They have great deals on all sizes of canvas.

I also like Oregon Art Supply because they offer art classes each month. When I realized that I couldn't fit an art minor into my studies and still graduate on time (well, within five years), I was relieved to know that I could still practice and learn about art through Oregon Art Supply's classes. I am currently enrolled in an intermediate acrylic painting class. I took the beginner's class from Oregon Art Supply back in the fall. I had my first class last Friday and it was such a nice environment to be in. It was a relaxing and supportive way to learn more about painting. Specifically, we learned about abstraction last class.

In addition to Oregon Art Supply, I recently found the beauty of Mindy's Needlepoint Factory. Mindy's Needlepoint Factory focuses much more on fabric arts and crafts. The store is filled with hundreds of neat buttons, exotic fabrics, informative craft books, and much more. There are also several finished products, such as skirts, bags, and tapestries for sale that can make great gifts.

The staff is very friendly and great at helping you decide on a new project to start. I was recently in the store and expressed an interest in wool felt art. I have seen it all over the place and was wondering if it was very hard to do. The staff showed me some neat books and explained the basics of how it is done to me. I decided that it didn't seem too difficult, so they helped me pick out some materials to start my first project. I am going to be making a decorated wool purse and am very excited! Now I just need to find the time.

As always, I encourage everyone in the Eugene area to take advantage of the neat local stores we have around here. Oregon Art Supply and Mindy's Needlepoint Factory are just two of them.