WADSWORTH, Ohio — "People validate what I do by buying my things,” Wadsworth wood carver Bob Hansen said. "They can say it looks pretty, but when they buy something it really validates what you do."
But because of COVID-19, validation has been hard to come by.
“I haven’t sold one thing or made any since it all started,” Hansen said.
It takes hours for Hansen to make his bird carvings. He then puts his work up for sale at events around the area including the Yankee Peddler Festival.
But with those canceled shows, Hansen is out thousands of dollars in potential sales, money he normally puts right back into his work.
“It allows me to buy equipment, more wood, things like that, materials I can turn into carvings,” Hansen said.
To help with the strain of those craft show cancellations, Kristen Lefever, of the Wadsworth art gallery and gift shop called Manic on Main, is trying something new.
“I want to invite two guest artists every Saturday so they can have a venue to show their stuff,” Lefever said.
Her own business has had its fair share of struggles due to COVID-19, including reduced foot traffic and financial hardships, but says helping out fellow artists is why she goes into business in the first place.
“I’ve always felt very strongly about this idea and it’s doing what it’s meant to do,” Lefever said.
And for Bob Hansen who will set up at the shop Saturday, he’s grateful.
"They really do have an idea of this town as a place that values artistic expression of all different kinds,” Hansen said.
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