New downtown art store opens its doors

WASHINGTON — A new store held its grand opening Friday, celebrating the start of business at GunnySac Designs in downtown Washington.

Owner Brandy Parsons said the shop was part art supply retailer, part creative studio, part gallery, and part art lesson space.

“It is a creative art space for all ages, all abilities,” she said. “I just really wanted it to bring creativity to people. Creativity is so important, I think, with mental health.”

It’s a stark contrast from the business’ earlier form.

Parsons said she started GunnySac Designs four years ago, as a vintage furniture modification shop run out of a trailer.

After an accident two years later that broke her leg in several places, Parsons said she started painting more. Selling her work led others to ask for lessons, starting in Keota but growing fast to include people from other communities.

“I selfishly did not want to share that, that was my Zen zone,” she said. “And then, God opened this door that was not planned. So I was very excited to take this … I hope to bring in other artists.”

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Parsons said Washington fell right in the middle of her client’s communities, and said she was delighted to find a storefront so close to the square.

“I had been testing different markets, and it was very clear that Washington was the center location for all the customers I had gained,” she said. “I’m feeling very good about it. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot of support, from other businesses. I’m seeing it all on social media, my social media has grown leaps and bounds since deciding to this, so it was very obvious, quickly, that Washington wanted it.”

Friday’s opening ceremony featured a quick (biodegradable) confetti-popping ceremony, atop a small, rolled-out red carpet.

Main Street Washington Director Samantha Meyer said the flashy photo op was a new way for the organization to draw attention to downtown businesses, comparable to a ribbon cutting. The group plans to hold other red-carpet events moving forward.

“We got asked by downtown business, ‘Hey, can Main Street celebrate us?’ and we were like, ‘Yes!’” Meyer said. “It can be in addition to a ribbon-cutting by the chamber, it’s not a replacement by any means. It’s just an extra celebration, something fun. We want to welcome every business to downtown and make sure they know they’re welcome.”

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