See, Shop & Learn
Go Local @ the Crafty Goodness Grand Opening
Shopping local in Cleveland is a great opportunity to support a growing artist and artisan community while picking up something kitschy, crafty and cool for you or a friend. Crafty Goodness, opening this week, is Cleveland’s newest arbiter of all things painted, drawn, stitched, strung, beaded, printed, knitted, assembled and, of course, crafted, right here in Cleveland. Filled with gifts, fashions, practical items and art created right here in Northeast Ohio, the shop is described by its owners as a “handmade craftacular.” Read more about Crafty Goodness, or watch this video interview with the shop’s crafty owners.
Check out your talented neighbors at the Crafty Goodness grand opening on Sat 3/5, in their brand new storefront at 15621 Madison Ave. in Lakewood, OH. The grand opening starts at 9 a.m. and the party doesn’t stop until the shop closes at 9:00 p.m. The opening will feature a fully stocked shop, a chance to sign up for a number of affordable arts and crafts classes and a chance to chat with the Crafty Goodness owners and artists and artisans.
Crafty Goodness grew organically out of the active Cleveland artisan community. Owners Chris Sorensen and Joanna and Matthew Orgovan serendipitously met on the Cleveland craft circuit, and as chance meetings became more than just happy accidents, the trio decided to join forces and take their handmade aspirations to the next level. What started as a modern arts and crafts show has blossomed into a retail storefront, filled with the work of artists the three owners met along the way. “Instead of putting out an open call for products, we decided to reach out to the great artists and artisans we’ve met through the local crafter and artist community,” says Joanna Orgovan. This hand selected blend of crafters lends a rich variety to the quaint shop. And, because the owners know each artist, customers who stop to chat can learn the story of the pieces they purchase and the story of those who made them.
“See, shop and learn” is the three-pronged motto at Crafty Goodness. Upon walking into the shop, it’s easy to see why. A cross between a gallery and a boutique, the first step through the door gives a visitor pause as they decide what to look at first. Every wall features a blend of fine art, photography, folk art and pop pieces that jump off the walls with vivid colors, or draw the viewer in with subtle, ethereal qualities. Below the hung art, numerous displays featuring hand-knitted products, printed t-shirts, hand beaded jewelry, video-game inspired magnets, soap and beauty products and much, much more, steal the attention. When your eyes are finished feasting, it’s time to shop. The wide variety of 100% locally made products means there’s something for everyone. After shopping, it’s time to learn by signing up for a class in soap making, fused glass, needle art, and more. “Northeast Ohio needs a place that offers an affordable alternative to big-box retail chains where consumers can see what their neighbors have created, help stimulate the economy at the local level and learn a craft or art discipline for themselves,” says Matt Orgovan. Now it has that place – Crafty Goodness.
Watch the video interview here.
Help Crafty Goodness celebrate their grand opening on Sat 3/5, from 9AM – 9PM. To learn more about the shop and its mission, visit the website at www.CraftyGoodnessCleveland.com, or find the shop on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CraftyGoodnessCleveland.
Julie Cajigas is a Cleveland girl who grew up on the East & West Side and now lives near Akron – she’s got the whole town covered. Cajigas holds degrees in Communication & Music from Cleveland State University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Communication at CSU.
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One Response to “PREVIEW & VIDEO: See, Shop & Learn: Go Local @ Crafty Goodness”
Barbara Bloom
Julie,
thanks for that great video and coverage of the Crafty Goodness. I am new to the art world, and am developing a small business featuring hand painted silk scarves, crochet wire and bead jewelry and repurposing plastic shopping bags into unique handbags through crochet…. and i wonder if you have any thoughts of galleries, or events that might be good for exposing my art to the world. I value any suggestions.