On Jan. 3, Moxie Art Supply moved to its new home at 302 W. Vine St. Owner and local artist Glenn Merchant says he couldn’t be happier with the new location.
Glenn’s goal in finding a new spot for the store was to remain near the Square, in order to keep in touch with the general public, while still being within a bike ride’s distance from MTSU. Not only does the new location fit this criteria, it also has three times the space of the old store, allowing for an expansion of inventory. Glenn says customers can expect a larger selection of kids’ art supplies, acrylic paint, pastels and watercolors, as well as a new addition of ready-made frames.
Glenn also has a lot of exciting plans to make the store more interactive for customers. Customers can already find several QR bar codes posted near certain items, allowing them to scan the code with their smartphones and pull up useful information about that particular item, including what it is, how it works and ways it can be used. He plans to add more of these QR bar codes throughout the store and one day hopes to have iPad stations where different supplies can be given a digital test drive. Customers could experiment with what happens when you mix together different colors of markers or paints, for example.
Moxie’s ArtCamp will begin in June, led by Barfield Elementary art instructor, Melany Proctor. The camps will take place in a spacious teaching studio, another perk of the new location. All of the camps are priced under $100, and will take place June 11-13 and June 16-18. They are open to two age groups: 2nd through 4th graders and 5th through 8th graders. Students can choose between a clay program or a 2D program including drawing, painting, collage and printmaking. To register parents can stop by the store or call (615) 849-1131.
In addition to the beginning of ArtCamp, Moxie’s first exhibition in their new gallery space features the work of Leslie Thomas. The exhibit, which opened on May 24, will be open to Moxie visitors throughout June.
Local artist Susan Truex will also be teaching ongoing drawing and painting workshops for adults starting in September.
As for Merchant’s personal artwork, he had an exhibit at Motlow earlier this year and he still finds time to paint in his studio every day.
Be sure to visit Moxie’s new location and support local business!
You can visit moxieartsupply.com, or find them on Facebook, for information on upcoming exhibits, ArtCamps, and up-to-date information on sales and promotions.
