One of the most rewarding things for us at Fruitive is working with the local artists, creators, and merchants in our community. Whether they’re our employees, customers, or neighbors, we love supporting their creativity. Recently, we hosted our first Local Art Market at our Hampton Roads locations, inviting artists and creatives from the surrounding areas to come sell their goods.

Each location had a stellar lineup of artists.

Fruitive Hilltop: Britt Hall Photography, Werrell Woodworks, Sarah Wood, William Kemp Pottery, Kathryn Cooke.

Fruitive Ghent: Abigail Ellis Art, Hannah Sue Crane, Heidi Peelen, Jade’s Temple, Leocadia K., Megan Bell.

 Fruitive The Main: Samantha Venezia, Alex Venezia, Bellwether Ink and Textiles, Indigo Salvation, Michelle Odom, Raytheon Dunn, Studio 336, Lisa Wright.

With such dreamy artists at each store, many locals decided to hit up all three locations to get their fill of retail therapy. 

The Fruitive Local Art Market was the first event for some of the artists and our first time meeting. Others were familiar faces as they have helped make Fruitive the artistic brand it is today. William Kemp designed and crafted pottery mugs for our two Norfolk locations. Hannah Sue Crane used her flawless calligraphy skills to create our tea tags. Sarah Wood put her wood burning skills to use to burn the Fruitive logo on our custom tea and coffee trays. Last but not least, Heidi Peelen, designed and created the wall murals, that give tribute to the history of Colley Ave, in our newest Norfolk Ghent space.

Guests got a taste of fall as they sipped on samples of our house made cider (which was launched with our fall menu), and a free Coconut Colada liquid meal for those who purchased from one of the featured artists. The stores were full of pottery, photographs, wood work wall hangings, crocheted apparel, handcrafted jewelry, and more. Guests perused each of the set ups, purchasing goods and engaging in conversations with the artists.

We are excited to make this a semi-annual event…keep your eyes open for a Spring 2018 Fruitive Art Market. In the meantime, check out any of our stores to see the handiwork of local creatives!