Why Shop Local Art This Holiday Season? Hear from Local Artist Lisa Anne Tindal
December 2023
As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with a sense of warmth, generosity, and the spirit of giving. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of big-box retailers and online giants, there’s something truly special about redirecting our focus towards local artists and creators. Supporting local art during the holiday season is not just a gesture of goodwill; it’s a meaningful investment in the cultural richness of our community.
By choosing to support local artists, you contribute to the vibrant tapestry of creativity here in Augusta’s River Region. Artist are known for incorporating elements of local culture, history, and landscapes into their work. By doing so, it enhances the cultural identity we see while also fostering a sense of innovation and originality that sets local art apart from mainstream, cookie-cutter options.
When you buy from local artists, you are directly contributing to the growth of Augusta’s economy. Your support helps sustain the livelihoods of artists, artisans, and small businesses right here at home. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect, as these entrepreneurs are more likely to reinvest their earnings back into the local economy, supporting other businesses and contributing to the overall prosperity of the community.
Our community is growing through the arts. We see so many more connections being made, and arts events are booming. Artists are incredibly hard working as they build on the foundations our community has raised to create and enhance our city’s own culture, and all it entails. But hey, take it from a real live artist, from the CSRA: Lisa Anne Tindal:
As an artist who returned to art later in life and after a career in non-profit and child welfare, my return to painting was a sort of brave gift to myself. I’d longed to be a painter since childhood. Life and life events cut that longing short in my sophomore year of college.
As a novice, I made a decision to step thoughtfully and boldly towards opportunities to learn and grow.
“Crossing the bridge” from South Carolina into Georgia and the Augusta arts community was one of those brave choices. Since joining the Greater Augusta Arts Council, I’ve participated in two WetPaint Parties and have formed friendships with countless artists as well as partnering with galleries that have enlightened and encouraged me in both my craft and my courage.
My calling towards art is a calling from God, a courageous one, one that asks me to continue painting and to remain quietly confident.
You can learn more at my website and view paintings that continue to grow and develop through my calling to “offer hope” to others through art.
The Greater Augusta’s arts scene has seen tremendous growth and opportunities within the past several years. As our city grows, so to does the arts. With community support through the purchase of local art can be considered an investment into our arts’ future. Where you build it, they will come. In order to continue this growth, we have to water the plants.
This holiday season, let’s go beyond the conventional and embrace the spirit of giving in a way that enriches our communities. By supporting local artists, we not only bring joy to our loved ones with unique and meaningful gifts but also play a pivotal role in preserving the cultural fabric of our neighborhoods while boositng our local economy. As we exchange presents, let’s remember the gift we give to our community by choosing to shop local and support the talented artists who make our surroundings brighter and more beautiful.
You can find Lisa Anne’s work in the City Gallery for the Annual Winter Art Showcase now until January 5, 2024. View the work in the digital gallery here!