Art Hub opens

0

UNION CITY, Ind. — Art enthusiasts welcomed the grand opening of the Art Hub in downtown Union City with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday.

Located at 215 North Columbia Street, the Art Hub is a collaborative effort by local artisans and community leaders to help rejuvenate the downtown business district.

Linda DeHaven, one of the organizers of the venture, describes the Art Hub as an “artisan’s co-op.” It is being sponsored by the Frank Miller Lumber Company of Union City.

“It’s a passion that’s developed, to re-identify ourselves both as artists and as a community,” she said.

Currently, the shop displays the works of approximately 22 artisan vendors, all living in close proximity to the city, or having Union City roots.

“We have everything from handcrafted jewelry to high-end furnishings,” DeHaven said. “We also feature paintings by Carol Strock-Wasson, Selena Burk and Jim Weaver, among others.”

Other items for sale include pottery, stained glass, Alpaca products, hand-carved signs, decoupage products, quilted items, baskets, handmade designed cards, and even socks produced on a World War I crank, which was originally used to make socks for soldiers.

The co-op received very favorable terms from the city, which owns the building, but is letting the artists use it for free.

“Both Union City mayors and community leaders have been very supportive,” DeHaven added.

Art Hub President Susan Hufford agreed.

“We came together as a community to create this arts and antiques destination between Union City and Winchester [Indiana], giving local artists an outlet to display and sell their works.”

Hufford said the group began brainstorming the notion in February and March of this year, and by May 8, the doors opened.

She says, however, that the shop still remains “a work in progress,” citing both work on the interior and the hoped-for addition of more artisans.

“We added a new artist yesterday, and we have a couple more coming. We’re still looking for more quality local artists who wish to contribute,” she said.

Both Hufford and DeHaven agree that the goal of the collective is not profit, but the cultural edification of the community.

“We are not in this to make money,” said DeHaven, “We are in this to support the arts.”

The Art Hub is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. To contact the shop, call 765-964-0005.

Local artists interested in displaying their works may contact Hufford at 937-459-7848 or DeHaven at 765-744-6785.

The Art Hub offers a wide assortment of locally produced art, collectibles and decorative items.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_IMG_2543-RGB.jpgThe Art Hub offers a wide assortment of locally produced art, collectibles and decorative items. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

Art Hub President Susan Hufford (center, with scissors) is joined by community leaders, local artisans and members of the Union City Chamber of Commerce to cut the ribbon for the Art Hub’s grand opening Friday.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_IMG_2546-RGB.jpgArt Hub President Susan Hufford (center, with scissors) is joined by community leaders, local artisans and members of the Union City Chamber of Commerce to cut the ribbon for the Art Hub’s grand opening Friday. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

By Erik Martin

[email protected]

Erik Martin may be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 937-569-4314.

No posts to display