The Essex County Artist Fund is Essex County Community Foundation’s response to the immediate and everyday needs of artists to be supported and lifted up across the county and across sectors. At ECCF, our philosophy is to build a creative ecosystem focused on awareness and appreciation for arts and culture, capacity building, collaboration, and cultural planning. Individual artists and arts/culture organizations are key to this network. www.eccf.org/creative-county.
Artist Name: Susan Wheeler – Gloucester
Learn more: www.artsaboundmagnolia.com
Creative Practice: I have been a freelance graphic designer and fine artist for many years. Last November, I opened Arts Abound, a fine art galley/gift boutique that features many local and area artists. There is a wide array of wonderful handcrafted items such as ocean-inspired pottery, hand painted scarves, local photography, a variety of jewelry, and so much more.
Artist Statement: Many of the artists at my shop are local and because I was forced closed the artists and I are not making any income from store sales. I have started sewing face masks; after donating many of them, I now sell them curbside so that I can help protect the community. One of my goals for the store was to bring arts to Magnolia so folks can appreciate them. Another goal is to upcycle and donate to charities whenever possible; I buy a lot of my furniture from Habitat for Humanity and I repurpose other items like an old bed post to be a display rack for scarves and apron. I really try not to buy anything new unless absolutely necessary as to help save the environment.
If you are an artist and would like to apply for the Essex County Artist Fund, please do so here.
If you would like to support the Essex County Artist Fund and artists like Margaret, please donate here.
English
French
German
Spanish
