The Roaring River Cultural Alliance is now offering art supplies to the community with the opening of its brand new ART MART in downtown Gainesboro.
Cultural Alliance Vice President Karen Parks said the ART MART is stocked with donated art supplies such as canvases, paint, and yarn. Parks said the cost of supplies can be prohibitive to some people trying out different styles of art. Parks said one thing people will notice in the ART MART is that there are no price tags on items.
“There’s so much in there,” Parks said. “You can take what you need, and if someone in our county can’t afford it, they are welcome to take it for free, and if you can afford something, we just ask for a donation.”
Parks said people can find new hobbies or even discover a new artistic talent if given the opportunity. Parks said art is good for one’s mental health and also creates opportunities to make new friends.
“In two years, I’ve made so many other friends who love to paint, and quilt, and sew,” Parks said. “So that was a good social outlet for me, and that’s what we are hoping the ART MART does is connect people who enjoy those same things or who want to learn something new with each other so they can support each other and make friends.”
Parks said that Gainesboro has been lacking creative outlet opportunities for some time. Parks said having the ART MART along with art classes in Gainesboro allows people to try art without having to drive to Cookeville.
“We have a poorer county, and it’s difficult to get to Cookeville,” Parks said. “You know, why don’t we just have it here, you know, have those same classes here and offer them for much lower cost. We want to make it accessible to everyone, and we never let them not having the money stop them from coming.”
The ART MART is located on Montpelier Avenue across the street from the Jackson County Historical Museum. The ART MART opens every Saturday from 9am-12pm. Parks encourages everyone to donate unused art supplies to the ART MART rather than throwing them away.
