Morganton, NC – Creativity can flourish even during difficult times. In downtown Morganton, small businesses are persevering and developing solutions to today’s challenges. Here are a few examples:

On April 30th, West Union Art Studios hosted a Live Art Sale on their Facebook page. Over the course of an hour, viewers watched as West Union Art Studio co-owner, Adam Mackay showcased various pieces of pottery and art from their studio artists. Viewers could comment during the video on items they wished to purchase and they would be contacted to secure payment at the end of the sale. This fun, creative event translated into sales for the studio during a time when their doors could not open and provided the community with a convenient and safe way to purchase art. Find us on facebook.

Several downtown businesses have made necessary pivots in order to provide personal protective equipment to people in Morganton and beyond. Hand crafted masks are being made and sold at Mountain Gallery and Gifts, Alison’s Custom Sewing and Alterations, Manazhe Fashions, Patterns, Fonta Flora Brewery and many other downtown Morganton shops.

Hamilton Williams Gallery and Gifts started creating and selling one of their most popular items, the Nautilus Platter. For each platter sold Hamilton Williams is donating 25 percent of the proceeds directly to local out-of-work hospitality workers. Over $1,500 has already been raised. Visit our website at hamiltonwilliams.com.

Craft’d started hosting Virtual Wine Tastings as soon as the Stay at Home Order began. Customers can utilize their curbside pickup and purchase wine bottles at 20% off for the tasting. Each week features two different wines. Each Friday at 7pm, customers are able to join a large group of people on Zoom to taste wines virtually and learn about each vineyard from the sales rep. In its eighth week, the Virtual Wine Tasting is a hit and many Friday evening tastings have been sold out. Find us on Facebook .www.facebook.com/craftdnc

OSuzannah’s is a yarn shop that sells yarns for knitting, crocheting, and weaving and offers a variety of workshops as well. In order to reach more customers, store owner Susan McRae has started a booth at the Morganton Farmers Market. McRae is featuring her creations including items dyed from plants – indigo, marigold, avocado pits, and walnuts. Find us on Facebook.

The Morganton General Store offers curbside pickup for shoppers. During the Stay at Home Order, the General Store made use of their social media accounts and offered Easter and Mother’s Day Basket ideas. Customers could call in and craft their own basket or allow the General Store employees to create one for them with a budget in mind. The Easter and Mother’s Day Baskets were a huge hit with Morganton shoppers. Find us on Facebook.

While restaurants are not yet allowed to offer on premise dining, Root and Vine held a Pop Up Market for Mother’s Day weekend. Pre-ordered and on-site items were available to purchase. From challah breads to macaroons and dog treats to flower arrangements, Root and Vine’s Pop Up Market was a spark of joy for their fans. Many of the pre-ordered items even sold out. Find us on Facebook.

During this time of Stay at Home, Moondog Pizza developed pizza kits to the delight of adults and kids alike. This popular menu item was developed in response to restaurants having to close for on premise dining and has been a hit in the community. This is a great example of how businesses are able to come up with creative solutions that meet the needs of their business and customers. Find us on Facebook.

Similar to Moondog Pizza’s pizza kits, TOSS is offering art kits for kids to take and create at home. Find us on Facebook.
West Union Art Studios Live Art Sale