Culture of Waltham — Books and Art

We are surrounded in Waltham by art, artists, musicians, theater, dance and celebration wherever we go! You live in a vibrant city, people.  This is going to have to be a multi-part blog post as there is a lot of art going around to celebrate.  Celebrate Waltham bookstores, printers, local artists and local shops selling local art!

Today, I'm talking about the art of the printed page, drawn page, painted page … and I'm starting with shopping locally, and here's why; when you shop at an independently-owned business, the entire community benefits in the following ways:

The Economy

▪ Spend $100 at a local store and $68 of that stays in your community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43.

▪ Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.

▪ More of your taxes are reinvested in your community--where they belong.

The Environment

▪ Buying local means less packaging, less transportation and a smaller carbon footprint.

▪ Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance and more money to beautify your community.

The Community

▪ Local retailers are your friends and neighbors. Support them and they’ll support you.

▪ Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.

▪ More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community."

-       quoted from IndieBookseller.com

So, when I want to buy a book, I go see Alex at on Moody Street, who just re-printed a book about the history of Waltham you can only buy there! Local writers are celebrated here.

Or, see the young ladies and gents at books on Moody Street and grab a cup of coffee and a cookie while I'm at it! 

Both of these stores have author events and support other artists in the community so giving back to them is giving back to Waltham.  Hey, and if it's raining again, buy from them online, including e-books.  But, I also shop there because they sell the art of local independent artists.

On to art in Waltham, I will save official art museums and museums of Waltham 'til another day, but where can I buy unique one-of-a-kind gorgeous art for gifts, holidays or whatnot?  It's safe to start on Moody Street, the heart of our cultural district.

1. — Proprietress Sally Collura has the greatest tea shoppe in New England in my humble opinion and I die for her hot cinnamon tea and scones, anytime! But, she sells on her walls the art of local artists. She sells calendars for the high school show choir, ducks for the Waltham Education and Beyond Foundation duck race, and notecards made by the artists of GWArc.  Sally is not just a small business owner, and a civic icon, she is a connector making Waltham a community, not just a place to live. 

2. The Mills Artists Association — the artists of the Mills are open during the year by appointment or the first weekend in November every year during their Open Studios.  "More than 30 years ago, a group of artists began to rehabilitate space in the same buildings that once employed hundreds and had fallen into disuse. Using our money, talent and labor, we transformed the neglected and degenerated buildings into studios where creativity thrives."  Click on your favorite artist and call them to see when you can shop or join their e-mail list and go to their next opening or art show

3.  Gourmet Pottery on Moody Street — This shop has the best gifts and every year I shop local for the holidays.  Their website is under construction but you can buy metal sculptures, hand-dipped fair trade beeswax candles, hand made note cards, blown glass, paper lanterns, all from independent local artists.  If you join their mailing list, they'll send you the secret sale word and you get a discount for helping a local artisan stay in business!  It's quality stuff that you will pass down as heirlooms.

4. The Artists of GWArc  — one of my favorite local art producers!  I met these artists through the Waltham Cultural Council and any time I can buy their art, I do.  The Artists of GWArc sometimes sell their art, which include paintings, calendars, sculptures, notecards and jewelry. Sometimes they just have showings.  Proceeds of the sales go either to the artist or to fund the art program, depending on the choice of the artist.  The WCI Art Initiative sells the available art right from their Web site. To see what they have now, call 781-899-1344 or e-mail gwarc@gwarc.org.

5.  WCI Art Initiative —  the second of my favorite local art producers!  I also met these artists through the Waltham Cultural Council, and again, any time I can buy their art, I do.  You can buy their notecards at Fulcinitis sub shop on Hammond Street, and get the best lunch in town or their paintings right from their website. 

You can shop right here in town and get cute, little graduation gifts to high-end royal wedding gifts.  You make the choice but shop local and keep Waltham thriving!