Moxie Brings Supplies, Community to Area Artists

photos by Russ Hilliard

Rainbows of paint tubes line shelves alongside multicolored pastels and oversized sketch pads inside Moxie Art Supply & Studio School. At the rear of the building are classrooms for students to learn new techniques or display exhibits.

It’s an artist’s dream world and a dream come true for owner Glenn Merchant. He opened the shop in mid-October next to Murfreesboro Outdoor and Bicycle on North Maple Street, just off the square.

A Murfreesboro native and downtown resident, Merchant recently moved back to town from Georgia. Upon his arrival, the artist said he had a tough time finding art supplies. Some were available at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, but he had to travel to find or order many of them online.

While several of his products are also available at area craft shops, Merchant says Moxie offers something that the big box stores don’t—someone that can provide advice and guidance, “or coffee, if you need it,” he said, gesturing towards the coffee pot.

“I’ve also invited regional artists to come in and teach (half-day or day-long) workshops,” Merchant said, adding that they are open to children, teenagers and adults.

“We’re focusing on people who maybe are new or have had some experience, even beginner-level, and who want to learn how to do something better. Maybe they’ve worked in acrylic and want to learn a different medium, like watercolor.”

In addition to the supplies and workshops, Merchant also offers his space for emerging artists looking to show off their work.

“I don’t do anything; I’m not the curator,” he explained. “They decide which works will go in the show, they handle a majority of the publicity and they learn what it’s like to be in the real world.”

This is especially helpful to MTSU art students, who comprise a large percentage of Moxie’s clientele.

“It’s real-world experience for them, and it’s a necessary learning experience,” Merchant continued.

Some young artists show off their work after completing an art workshop

And just like in any other profession, networking and camaraderie are necessities.

“Artistry is typically lonely; time is spent alone in a studio. Artists need a place to come, have a cup of coffee and meet friends. They need to network just like any other venture. Hopefully, this will develop into a place where visual artists will meet.”

Moxie is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For additional information or to learn of upcoming workshops or exhibitions, search Moxie on Facebook or call the shop at (615) 849-1131.