At DAC, we LOVE Artists
& we think everybody else should, too.
So we're on a mission to make Handmade Gifts the go-to this Holiday Shopping Season.
Because thriving Artists
create thriving communities.
This page is a part of an on-going project to promote, educate, and spread awareness on how and why to Shop Handmade.
Artists Make Communities
When you decide to shop Handmade from Local Artists, you make the decision to impact your community in a BIG way.
An Investment In Handmade, Is An Investment In Your Community.
For every $100 spent at Local Businesses, $48 goes back into the Local Economy.
Artists Selling Handmade Goods put even more back in, because they're not resellers of other companies' products!
Locally Handmade Gifts Make People Happy!
75% of People prefer to receive a gift that is unique and has a story behind it.
A growing majority also want gifts that are eco-friendly, made locally, and HANDMADE!
Artists & Local Business Owners Make Communities STRONG
DAC Artist Members participate in a wide array of other organizations, professions, and groups that work to make our community a better place for everybody.
Artists bring the creativity to impact change!
Local Art Celebrates The Communities We Call Home
Many DAC Artists find inspiration in all the things that make our communities such amazing places to live!
Artists not only incorporate local scenes and themes in to their work, but are dedicated to keeping our communities beautiful!
"OH, SOMETHING FROM A BIG BOX STORE, JUST WHAT I WANTED!"
- nobody, ever.
They want
Something Like This
handmade by
Somebody Like This
We've got you covered...
In Addition to DAC Vendor Events like Dewey Sip & Shop, & Holiday Creative Market, there's plenty of ways to Shop Local Art this Holiday Season.
We've made a handy list to help.
A Tale of Two Mugs
We've all given or received a mug as a gift at some point...
Let's consider the difference between one Handmade by a Local Artist and one purchased from a big retail store.
Bought From A Local Artist
$35.00
One of a kind
Made locally in a studio
Thoughtfully crafted
Beautiful
Purchase supports a Local Artist!
Bought From A Big Box Retail Store
$5.99
Mass produced
Made overseas in a factory
Made cheaply
Boring
Purchase supports a corporation.
The Big Box Journey
Corporate retail stores and major online sellers contribute to over 25% of carbon emissions, with most of the profits leaving the community and in to the pockets of executives and shareholders.
Big Factory (Mostly Abroad)
Pollutive Shipping
Big Box Store or Warehouse
Profits Into Corporate Pockets
The Handmade Journey
When you make a purchase from a Local Artist, the journey of that product has minimal impact on the environment, with maximum impact on your community.
An Artist's Home or Studio
Local Shop, Event, or Online Shop
Profits Back To The Artist & Community
....To Fund Their Next Creation!
Artists Are Your Neighbors.
When you shop handmade, you're supporting the people that make your community amazing.
Keith Warren
Husband. Father. Grandfather. Retired Teacher. Organizer. Starboad Director of Entertainment & Security. Friend to Many. Brushin w/Keith Owner. Provider. Mentor. Confidant. Leader. Promoter of Goodwill Towards Others. Super Large & Tall. Morgan Freeman. Hightower. Always Stage Right. Lover of Life. Glad to be Seen!
(Artist.)
Gracie Schlapo
Dog mom. Girlfriend. Bartender. Eagles fan. Friend. Beach Comber. Dog mom. Girlfriend. Bartender. Eagles fan. Friend. Beach Comber.
(Artist.)
Shopping Handmade Has Never Been Easier (Or More Fun.)
In Addition to DAC Vendor Events like Dewey Sip & Shop, & Holiday Creative Market, there's plenty of ways to Shop Local Art this Holiday Season.
We've made a handy list to help.
DAC Artist Vendor Events
A Handmade Holiday Shopping Event
Black Friday Weekend in Dewey Beach
An Open Air Artist Vendor Market
First 3 Saturdays in December in West Rehoboth
Other Local Handmade Shopping Events
Want us to feature another handmade shopping event?
Local Stores Featuring Handmade Art
Want us to feature another place where people can shop handmade?
At The Developing Artist Collaboration,
we help Artists access the education, resources and connections to elevate their creative careers.
From financials to content creation to full websites, we've been able to help dozens of Artists take their handmade businesses to the next level.
But Developing Artists Is Just The First Step.
We're on a mission to have communities view Artists the same way we do.
More Opportunities To Sell
Shoppers are already aware of importance of shopping local, but many local stores don't currently carry local handmade items.
Our goal is to connect Artists & Local Businesses to develop business relationships that benefit everybody.
Elevating Local Culture
Throughout the year we see how our events ignite our community by connecting Artists and guests through Art.
Our goal is to continue to develop Art based events, & work with community leaders to create even more.
Artist Led Impact
Artists have the amazing ability to use their talents to beautify, elevate, & uplift communities.
Our goal is to partner with community leaders to identify and create opportunities for Artists to use their talents to do so while being fairly compensated.
You Can Help
Delaware's Premiere Holiday Shopping Event
For the 8th Year, DAC is hosting Dewey Sip & Shop on Black Friday Weekend, a Free Holiday Shopping Event that focuses on Artists and Handmade Gifts.
Handmade Art & Gifts by 40+ Vendors a Day
Live Music by Local Musicians
Creative Cocktails, Wine, & Beer by Dewey Beer Co.
DIY Project Bar by Out of The Box DIY
An Open-Air Holiday Market in West Rehoboth
This year, DAC made major improvements to our very own Art experience space, West Side Creative Market. We're keeping the fun going this Holiday Shopping Season with 3 Saturday Markets in December.