Art as a Lifestyle brings Candle-ology, local artwork to Holland Town Center
HOLLAND TWP. — When Kate Moynihan announced that Moynihan Gallery & Framing would close after 25 years in downtown Holland, employee Maranda Shear didn’t panic. Instead, she started writing a business plan.
“Everyone was worried about finding another job,” said Shear. “And I was thinking, ‘I don’t need a different job. I need to find a way to make this mine.’”
With that, Shear began development of Art as a Lifestyle, a business now located in Holland Town Center.
“Originally, I wanted to stay in Moynihan’s location,” said Shear. “But I found my way over here and ended up falling in love with the space.”
Art as a Lifestyle, which showcases the work of more than 30 regional artists, is also home to Candle-ology, a popular division of Moynihan Gallery where customers can create their own soap, lotion and candle scents.
“Candle-ology was kind of my baby in terms of re-promoting and working toward a set schedule of deals and sales and rotating our scents,” said Shear. “I was focused on keeping it in the community, keeping it in Holland. I wanted to make that happen.”
Customers can visit and enjoy Candle-ology without an appointment, although large parties of six or more are encouraged to make a reservation. The new setup is similar, with one major difference.
“When I moved Candle-ology, one thing that was very important to me was making sure it was handicap-accessible,” said Shear. “That’s a brand new thing. We actually custom-built a table and lowered our whole candle island by about 8 inches, so people in wheelchairs and kids can still reach the top shelf.”
When it comes to displaying artwork, Shear is proud of the regional focus.
“Everything here is handcrafted,” she said. “I would say 70 percent is local, from between Holland and Grand Rapids. I have 32 artists in total, and it’s just been phenomenal.”
In addition to selling artwork, Shear wants to help customers create it.
“Right now, we’re doing canvas classes,” she said. “But I also have a number of artists that are working on schedules to start doing workshops.”
Private classes are available with a minimum of six participants. Shear will also host open studio hours, where artists can meet and work without taking a class.
“I just want people to know that I’m here,” she said. “Candle-ology is still here. It’s still in the community. It’s great for gifts and projects. And there’s some great stuff here.”
Art as a Lifestyle is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
By Cassandra Bondie / @hollandsentinel.com / 616-546-4237
Posted Oct 23, 2018 at 11:01 AM