With our move to Furman University this year, we decided to share a few of our favorite Travelers Rest spots that are worth exploring after you visit Indie Craft Parade. We hope you enjoy getting to know our lovely part of the world.
greenville
The Makers Collective Mural
GreenvilleOver the past several years, we’ve seen a rise in popularity of murals here in Greenville, SC. Our team has always loved the idea of helping contribute to the public art scene, assisting with mural projects through the Stone Mural Project and Furman’s Art and Community Engagement class.
When we were looking at office spaces last year, the blank exterior wall of this building seemed like it could be the perfect spot for a future Makers Collective mural. We were thrilled when our landlord agreed.
Before: the building in May 2019
One of our goals for 2020 was to paint that mural and to make it happen before our Spring Pop Up Shop opened. While we didn’t know yet what the subject matter and style would be, we knew that it needed to be different from anything else in Greenville and represent what we do as an organization: celebrate art and craft on a large scale.
After considering several design directions, our team decided to use our wall to feature a traditional craft medium in an enlarged or exaggerated way. As we considered the various types of art we see at Indie Craft Parade, our focus quickly narrowed to the category of fiber art as a subtle nod to Greenville’s textile history.
After: the building in May 2020. Photo by Brittany Hildreth
Working within the constraints of our 56-foot-long wall, we created a design that would capitalize on the built in (pun intended) structure of the cinderblock. We treated the wall like a giant piece of fabric, painting Xs to create an image.
The end result is a large scale floral cross stitch piece, with each ’stitch’ spanning the height of a cinder block.
Photo by Brittany Hildreth
Timelapse video of the painting process, captured by Alex Reynolds
A note from our designer, Lib Ramos:
When looking for inspiration for our mural, I referenced everything from early cross stitch samplers to needlepoint pieces that my grandfather made before I was born. One of the things I love about this subject matter is that cross stitch can be considered an old fashioned craft, but in reality, it’s connected to so many other types of art — both ancient and modern. Whether you think about mosaic tile work in the past or today's pixels on a screen, there’s a timelessness to how we break down and communicate imagery.
I also find it really beautiful that the image becomes clearer the farther you are from it. The Xs are really fun to see up close, but if you really want the full picture, you need to step back and look at it from a distance.
Credits:
Painting Crew: Jen Moreau, Erin Godbey, Lib Ramos, Brittany Hildreth, Evan Hildreth
Timelapse Video: Alex Reynolds
Designer: Lib Ramos
You can see the Makers Collective mural at 2909 Old Buncombe Rd, Greenville, SC 29609
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Indie Craft Parade Shop Edition
Events, General Info
We can’t wait to see you at Indie Craft Parade: The Shop Edition. Thank you for prioritizing purchases from makers and small businesses.
Here are the precautions we have put in place for this event, based on current CDC and Government guidelines, and what we feel best protects our staff and our shoppers.
Thank you for understanding, for shopping with us, and for helping us support independent artists and makers.
Please read through our list of policies so you know what to expect when you shop with us.
Our staff will be wearing masks as well as implementing regular sanitizing procedures to ensure the space remains safe for everyone.
Shop Occupancy Due to our square footage, we will be limiting shoppers in the store to allow for appropriate distance. If we are at max occupancy, you may need to wait outside until space opens up.
Hand Sanitizer Complimentary hand sanitizer will be provided when you walk in the door. We ask that all customers utilize the sanitizer upon entering.
Masks We will be requiring customers (including children over the age of 2) to wear masks in the store. If you have a mask, please bring it. If you do not have your own mask, we will provide a disposable mask for you.
Payment To eliminate points of contact, the Pop Up Shop will be accepting card payments only. If you have the option, we encourage iPhone users to set up Apple Pay for a completely touchless transaction.
Children If shopping with young children, we ask that you keep them close to you or in a carrier or stroller. Children over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask.
Other Helps If you normally communicate via lip reading and want to shop in store, a sanitized whiteboard will be available to help facilitate communication while wearing a mask.
We understand that each person has different viewpoints about what kinds of safety measures are necessary. Our goal is to prioritize the safety of our community as a whole as we keep each other safe.
Handmade Tour of Greenville, SC
Originally posted on visitgreenvillesc.com, updated for 2020
If you’re headed to Greenville, SC for a visit (no matter how short!), be sure to check out some of our favorite places to buy handmade and local goods around town. We’ve mapped out a Day of Handmade that includes a few classic spots, but plan to take your time, wander, and discover something new!
First Stop: The Village
Start your day off at The Village Grind with a delicious cup of coffee or tea, and don’t pass up the chance to try a pastry! Baked at Greenville’s own Bakeroom, the Morning Buns and Croissants are a don’t-miss treat.
The Village Grind in Greenville’s art district
Sit and enjoy your breakfast in the cozy plant-filled shop, or take your drinks on a leisurely walk through The Village – Greenville’s art district. To your right as you leave The Village Grind, bright murals at Carol’s next door and on the side of The Anchorage restaurant beg to be a photo backdrop. Be sure to stop by the Darin R Gehrke Ceramics shop between the murals. Or wander left from The Village Grind and check out the shops in The Saltbox and at 547 Perry.
Tip: If you’re up for a longer stroll, head left past the angular Flatiron Building to Art & Light Gallery at 16 Aiken Street. They’re open from 10-4 every Saturday and feature rotating artist shows. It’s easy to pick out the gallery from surrounding houses thanks to the splashes of color on its side.
Art & Light Gallery exterior, mural by Greenville artists @eva_magill_oliver and @sunnymullarkeystudio
Second Stop: The Trail
Next, head to Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. Not only is it a convenient stop for cyclists on the trail, it’s Greenville’s source for local food, drink, snacks and more. You can shop for produce from local farmers and also find locally made gift items like soaps, candles, tea towels, and chocolate! Four Saturdays a year, you’ll also find them hosting the popular Swamp Rabbit Flea where you can meet the makers behind many of these goods. This is a fantastic lunch spot, so grab a bite while you’re there.
Local goods at Swamp Rabbit Grocery
Next Stop: Downtown
If you're spending any time in our lovely downtown area, The Mast General Store is a popular tourist stop that also stocks some local art. Just one block north, you’ll find Greenville’s new Make Made Jewelry studio, which features over a dozen jewelry artisans as well as bags and gift items. They’re open Tuesday - Saturday, from 10am - 5pm.
Make Made Jewelry on Main Street
Final Stop: Stone’s Point
On the edge of downtown Greenville, you’ll find The Landmark Flagship store, which features a selection of travel and outdoor items alongside tee shirts that are designed and produced in Greenville. The shop also houses a Methodical Coffee location, where you can grab a coffee or milkshake for an afternoon treat.
Landmark Methodical at Stone’s Point
If you’re visiting on a weekday, pop into Urban Digs, next door where you’ll find plants and terrariums alongside handmade jewelry, children’s items and art. It’s a lovely place to find unique handcrafted items.
To wrap up your day, stop by Community Tap for a drink. Depending on the time of day, you may even find a food truck out front ready to serve up dinner.
Of course, if you happen to be in Greenville in September, you’ll want to come see Indie Craft Parade at Furman University. The 2020 festival will take place September 18-20 and features over 100 southern artists and makers.
TEN YEARS – MORE SPACE
General Info, Festivals, EventsIndie Craft Parade turns 10 this year, and we have big news! We're moving the location of the festival to give everyone more room.
Since the beginning of the festival our attendees have asked us "when will you move to a bigger space?" And for the past 2 years this has been an issue we've tried to solve. Last year we moved the festival to the Taylors Mill to offer artists more room to exhibit. However, the issue of long lines for our 7000+ attendees remained.
To accommodate our desire to grow the festival and make it a more convenient experience for attendees and artists alike, we are moving the festival to Timmons Arena on the campus of Furman University.
In this new home we will have room to not only offer large exhibitor booths, but also give attendees a more comfortable environment to shop, connect with artists, and linger at the event. When you come to the 2019 Indie Craft Parade, you can expect to see old, favorite attractions such as the free Photobooth. But now we also have space to include additional partner opportunities, a larger section for emerging artists, and most importantly, reduce the chance of a line.
Illustrated Map by Karen Schipper
We're sure our attendees have questions: Will Indie Craft Parade keep moving to new venues? Will there be convenient parking at the new location? Will the event still have a great vibe even though it's leaving a beautiful historic venue?
To answer the first question, we truly believe Indie Craft Parade has found its permanent home. Our artists and attendees have been so faithful as we've moved over the last year, and we want you to confidently know what to expect year after year.
What about amenities and convenience? Timmons Arena has plenty of both! Parking will be very easy and there are facilities in abundance.
As to the vibe of the event, the very heart of the festival is found in the community of amazing artists that Indie Craft Parade brings together each year, and they aren't going anywhere. They are the reason the festival is special; a charming venue is a bonus. That being said, the campus of Furman is stunning and conveniently located. It's merely 10 minutes from downtown Greenville and 5 from downtown Travelers Rest. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through the campus, and you could spend the rest of the day picnicking on the grounds after visiting the festival.
We're confident that year 10 will be our best one yet.
Mark your calendar for September 13-15, 2019! Come see all that we've been working on, explore a new area of Greenville, and support the newest collection of makers and artists that make Indie Craft Parade so special. See you in September!