ATHENS-Iron Bowl Saturday may reign supreme as the major attraction in Alabama this weekend, but Athens artists are asking the public to celebrate Small Business Saturday as well.
In 2010, American Express launched Small Business Saturday on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to shop with local businesses. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day.
In Alabama, Small Business Saturday has to compete head-to-head with the Alabama-Auburn game.
“But for those who are not going to the game, you have time to come out to High Cotton Arts and get some of your Christmas shopping done before kick-off time,” said Athens Arts League Board President Jennifer Hilton Sampieri.
The Iron Bowl kicks off Saturday, Nov. 24, at 2:30 p.m. High Cotton Arts in Downtown Athens will open at 10 a.m. The artists are hosting Pop In High Cotton Arts for Small Business Saturday. They will be making popcorn for shoppers to enjoy as a pre-game treat.
Denise Maurer
The artists will have unique gifts for purchase such as paintings, jewelry, stained glass, pottery, and photographs. In addition, Athens Arts League received Small Business Saturday swag from American Express that will be available free to the public, including shopping totes, buttons, stickers and pins.
High Cotton Arts artist Denise Maurer said, “Small businesses are the backbone of this country and part of what make it great. We have the privilege here of being able to start our own businesses.”
According to the Small Business Saturday website, since the first event, U.S. customers have reported spending an estimated total of $85 billion at independent retailers and restaurants.
Jane Blevins
“There is an abundance of talent, some just waiting to be discovered in small businesses,” said High Cotton Arts artist Jane Blevins. “This is especially true in Athens. Receiving a gift from a local small business makes one feel special and connected to the person or business. Not only is the product special, but you are treated with much respect and always with a smile.”
Athens Arts League operates High Cotton Arts, a non-profit art incubator that offers affordable space for artists, art classes and cultural events. High Cotton Arts is open on Small Business Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, follow on Facebook at High Cotton Arts.
