“The arts are the lifeblood of our communities, raising morale, creating community cohesion, and providing comfort during dark times while also delivering a huge economic footprint,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “And it is more important than ever that everyone take part to recognize the creative and cultural value of the arts and humanities in our communities.”

This October, celebrate the arts during Shop Indie Art Month hosted by the American Independent Business Alliance. We’ll recognize all types of artists -- crafters, painters, musicians, actors, writers, and others -- and boast the positive impacts artists have on our community and local economy.  Join us!

Four Reasons to Celebrate

The arts mean business: In 2020, the art sector made up 4.2 percent of the US economy -- greater than construction, transportation, or agriculture industries -- and included 4.6 million workers.  The arts also mean revenue for other local businesses, as each arts event attendee spends an additional $31.47 at neighboring stores, restaurants, and hotels.

Art boosts our well-being: A national opinion poll from the Americans for the Arts found that 69 percent of us believe the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences,” and 81 percent shared that the arts are a “positive experience in a troubled world.”  Recognizing the healing power of art, about half of US hospitals offer arts programming.

Art brings us together: 72 percent of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity,” and 73 percent agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better.”

Art inspires creativity:  One Journal of Business Research study found that displaying art in the workplace boosted employees’ creative thinking.

Learn more

Fours Ways to Celebrate

Shop Indie Art: Look for opportunities to purchase art and creative works from Monadnock Region artists.  Here’s one option coming up soon: The 49th Annual Cheshire Craftsmen Fair on October 1 and October 2 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Keene Recreation Center.  Shop early for unique holiday gifts, including home decor, quilted items, jewelry, soaps, woven items, quilted crafts, pottery, fleece and felted crafts, framed photos, wooden toys, wooden crafts, candles, and more.

Attend an art event or take a tour:  Here are two fantastic chances to meet local artists and see where they work.  The Monadnock Art Tour and Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour both happen the weekend of October 8 – 10. Take a walk around downtown Keene’s public art murals painted in 2019 by The Walldogs, a group of over 200 sign and mural artists from around the world. If you prefer a guided tour, register with the Historical Society of Cheshire County (tickets are $10 per person).

Discover more events

Take a class: Get your creative juices flowing by signing up for a class or two.  Mill Hollow Works in Keene will offer a Halloween Mask Making Party on October 30, 10 am – 2 pm or 2 pm – 4 pm.  Sign up your kids of “Trick or Treating” age. Tickets are $15 per mask maker. Check out all the details.  The Jaffrey Civic Center will host card-making, poetry, and pastel classes in October.  See details at jaffreyciviccenter.com/classes. 

Browse many more classes

Show your art: Join #ShowYourArt2022, an Instagram challenge hosted by Americans for the Arts.  They want to “inspire your creative spirit and showcase the culture that makes our communities unique and vibrant. And whether you post once or all month long, you’ll be part of the movement showing the power and purpose of the arts and humanities across all parts of life.”  Learn more.

Stay tuned for more Shop Indie Arts news, events, and inspiration 

Shop Indie Art is part of a larger Shop Indie Local year-round movement.  Together, we inspire our communities to take positive action and boost the ripple effects our neighborhoods, towns, and cities receive when we spend and invest more of our dollars at locally owned, independent businesses.