Owner closing Marietta Makery on June 21 to focus on her own art
The Marietta Makery has been a hub for local and national artists since March 2022. Owner Greta Guimond wanted the store to be a collage of different artists rather than everyone having their own designated sections. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
The colorful space is meant to encourage and spark creativity for everyone, even those who don’t consider themselves artistic. Local resident Maribeth Browne said that she always feels inspired when she visits the Marietta Makery. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Greta Guimond said that this isn’t “goodbye” but rather “see you later.” She is excited for the sequel in this journey and has lots of ideas to come. (Photo provided by Greta Guimond)
Upon entering through the main doors of the Marietta Makery, the room to the left features a gallery of artists from all over the world. (Photo provided by Greta Guimond)
Every nook and cranny at the Marietta Makery is decorated with purchasable art and decor made from local and national artists. The displays of colorful jewelry and wall art seek to inspire customers and passerbys. (Photo provided by Greta Guimond)
Greta Guimond collaborates with around 100 artists from around the world. She said that 60% are local and 40% are out-of-state. She meets many of the artists locally and some reach out to her online. (Photo provided by Greta Guimond)
The Marietta Makery has been a hub for local and national artists since March 2022. Owner Greta Guimond wanted the store to be a collage of different artists rather than everyone having their own designated sections. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
The colorful space is meant to encourage and spark creativity for everyone, even those who don’t consider themselves artistic. Local resident Maribeth Browne said that she always feels inspired when she visits the Marietta Makery. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Greta Guimond said that this isn’t “goodbye” but rather “see you later.” She is excited for the sequel in this journey and has lots of ideas to come. (Photo provided by Greta Guimond)
Upon entering through the main doors of the Marietta Makery, the room to the left features a gallery of artists from all over the world. (Photo provided by Greta Guimond)
Every nook and cranny at the Marietta Makery is decorated with purchasable art and decor made from local and national artists. The displays of colorful jewelry and wall art seek to inspire customers and passerbys. (Photo provided by Greta Guimond)
Greta Guimond collaborates with around 100 artists from around the world. She said that 60% are local and 40% are out-of-state. She meets many of the artists locally and some reach out to her online. (Photo provided by Greta Guimond)
Trending
MARIETTA -- After three years on Front Street, the Marietta Makery will officially close June 21.
Owner and artist Greta Guimond announced the closure of the store in a public post on her social media pages April 30.
There are five days remaining for shoppers to stop by and explore the selection of art kits and creations from artists all over the world who have reached out to Guimond.
Sales on select items can be expected in-store throughout the week on things like artist prints and sewing or painting kits.
Marietta Main Street's Summer Shop Hop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21 will be Guimond's final event before she spends the next week packing up the store.
"A very, very, very hard decision was made to change it up a little bit," said Guimond. "So we're closing, I would say a chapter, but really I feel like we're closing the book and we're just making the sequel."
Guimond said that she has been an artist her entire life, but she started her career as a registered nurse at Columbus Children's Hospital.
During her time in various jobs over the years, she found herself balancing work with her passion for art.
When she started the Marietta Makery in March 2022 at the first location, the business exploded. Guimond was collaborating with different artists and her goal was to host a space for art classes and creative outlets. The art classes quickly gained in popularity and were constantly sold out.
"It had just been this amazing journey but there was one thing that was wrong," said Guimond. "I kind of lost myself along the way."
In 2023, the Marietta Makery moved to its current location at 177 Front St. Over time, the storefront became a hub for artists around the country to display their work and a space for the community to visit and feel inspired.
Through her mission to create a space that inspires, she realized that she was actually spending less time making art herself.
"Making my own art just didn't happen anymore and so when it was time to renew my lease, I had to think about what I wanted," said Guimond. "How could I get back to doing my own art but still offer classes for artists to get together?"
Guimond reached out to about 70 of the artists she collaborated with to explain to them why she made the decision to close the storefront. The community has been extremely supportive of her decision.
"She is my favorite kind of person," said local resident Maribeth Browne. "She is a 'can do' person and I love that the best about her."
Guimond's goal moving forward is to focus less on retail and more on the act of creating.
"I will be focusing on my art and I'll be taking commissions and doing art for other people," said Guimond. "A big part of my business will be to still sell DIY kits and supplies for artists and most of that will be accomplished through my online store."
Guimond said that she plans to open at the new location mid-August. The location is still under development and she wants it to be a surprise for her customers.
Mariettamakery.com will include the art supplies and DIY kits that can be purchased online and the new location will focus mainly on community-building through art classes.
Along with the new location is the Secret Artist Society which will be a creative speakeasy. Her vision is to have clues for attending guests to piece together and figure out to determine where the event will occur and what the project will be based on the clues.
"I want to make sure that people know that I appreciate everything everyone has done for me and for welcoming me and making me part of their lives," said Guimond.