THIS IS OUR BLOG.
Newsletter 039
We're excited to share the new brand identity we've created for GatherGive! This incredible organization is a resource hub dedicated to fostering a stronger, more connected community in Grant County. We wanted to capture their mission of bringing people together and building a brighter future through their brand.
Through a collaborative and iterative process of design thinking, we worked closely with GatherGive to develop a name and visual system for their organization that serves as a platform to share their story with the community. The interconnected hands in the logo symbolize the power of collaboration and the spirit of giving. We can't wait to see the positive impact GatherGive will have on the community!
Wendy will be taking the main stage at the 2024 UCDA Interchange Conference on Friday, September 27th at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. The Marion Design Co. story will be the introduction to the presentation, Presence Changes Perception. Designers, educators, and students will learn principles for leveraging their power to recognize assets inside impossible problems in order to design for good. Learn more and register at https://www.ucda.com/events/151/
We’re so excited to have Jacob join our team as a Graphic Designer! He studied at Indiana Wesleyan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a minor in business administration. Jacob’s undergraduate coursework in design and business have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding artistic and strategic aspects our industry.
Coming from a retired military family, Jacob has been exposed to a variety of different cultures as he has been relocated to cities in Florida, Texas, Virginia, and Indiana. Despite spending the majority of his life as a resident of Porter County, Jacob has grown fond of the intentional communities found in Marion. Over the weekends, maintaining the connections in his life by calling his friends and family over the phone is a major priority. On his free time, Jacob loves to watch anime and play video games with his brothers – the nerdy things in life.
On July 18th, we had the pleasure of hosting our second Marion on the Move event during Picnic on the Patio with Los Amores.
Marion on the Move was created to be a space for small businesses and organizations to gather and discuss how to bring more traffic to Downtown Marion. During our first meeting, we shared our intentions, goals, and purpose for being in this small square over a light lunch. Our conclusion was that communication and transparency must be at the forefront, building trust and unification among each other to make Marion the best it can be. We all left very encouraged and ecstatic for our next meeting.
The second meeting was just as special as the first. To support our local businesses and attract more people to attend our event, Picnic on the Patio, we invited Los Amores to join us in sharing food and intentional conversations. We immediately kicked off by updating each other on recent news and began brainstorming ways to bring more traffic to the downtown area. After an engaging conversation, we decided that all of us would have a unified vision through a small, medium, and large idea.
Our vision starts with focusing on beautification. For our small idea, we concluded that attracting others to downtown should first start with taking care of these mundane, everyday tasks: picking up trash, pulling weeds outside our businesses, making sure the front of our store is arranged aesthetically, etc. Though it seems small, it creates a difference, the kind of difference we want to create.
Our medium idea is focused on Design Standards for our buildings and downtown area. This would bring in accountability for our empty storefronts and the ability to create a unified downtown. Lastly, our large idea is to host pop-up stores/events in our vacant buildings to promote our spaces and bring more people in.
From our observations and conversations, our downtown is well loved and adored by our business owners and organizations. We hope that as we continue to have these conversations, that we will be able to create movement and slowly make our downtown a hot spot for people to come by and visit.
If you’re interested in attending our Marion on the Move meetings, our next one will be on August 1, 2024, 12PM to 1:30PM, at the Kennedy Art Center in Downtown Marion. Our next steps are to begin launching our small idea, Tidy Tuesdays, and continue our conversations on how we can better our community. To stay updated on when we are hosting Marion on the Move, follow us on Instagram at @mariondesignco. If you won’t be able to attend, but want to contribute, send us a message on our Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@mariondesign.co.
We hope to see you there!
Kennedy Art Center recently connected with the Quilter’s Hall of Fame - during which they expressed an interest in a joint quilt exhibit at our gallery for their annual celebration. We jumped at the idea, and just a few months later, Celebrate SAQA Indiana has come to fruition!
This show, spurred on by Quilter’s Hall of Fame and in collaboration with SAQA, Studio Art Quilt Associates, displays the intersection of quilting as both a historic craft and a fine art. The quilts range from abstract to pictorial, and implement a variety of techniques such as hand dyeing fabric, appliqué, photo printing, and more. Quilting as a studio art is a completely unique, immersive, and innovative experience, and we hope you come out to see it before the show packs up September 13th!
Looking ahead, KAC will be hosting the 1st Annual MAC Gala: A Night of Art and Elegance this September, Friday the 20th. This event aims to elevate the arts in Marion and make future celebration of the arts possible within our community. This event will feature a silent auction for art, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. We encourage those interested to look into sponsoring the event or purchasing a ticket to attend. Tickets run at $50 and will be up for purchase soon.
Rent out our kitchen for your summer events! With the cool air inside while the garage door keeps the outdoors accessible, it’s an ideal place to have your family event or office gathering!
The current show, Celebrate SAQA Indiana, will only be on exhibit until September 13th! Art sales are available until the exhibit closes.
For more information, contact us at hello@mariondesign.co
https://www.mariondesign.co/
Newsletter 038
How might a trade school model be applied to training kids with interpersonal and practical skills through a faith-based home environment? This out-of-the-box thinking inspired us to pull out all the stops as we journeyed along with the OptIN leadership team to reframe opportunities for parents to integrate faith through the tool of design.
We recently wrapped up prototypes and testing of the final designs for the OptIN Box that was developed through an empathy-based model. We began our research with a two-day online design thinking session. Micaiah (OptIN Thought Leader) and Brian (OptIN Director) Tanck gathered a group of stakeholders whose experience would contribute to a better understanding of the needs of the audience they’re trying to serve. We led them through the design process, pushing the boundaries of creativity through a custom design thinking session.
Following extensive research, we designed OptIN’s brand identity to ensure their story remained authentic to the project goals yet fluid enough to respond to their innovative team ideas. We found ourselves full of delight as we created the logo and brand identity, envisioning the experience of individuals and families interacting with this project
Inspired by Micaiah and Brian’s imaginations, we created interactive, playful, abstract characters as a key part of the brand package, empowering them to imagine the materials to be brought to life through these lively personalities.
After the Tanck’s had developed the content for the OptIN Boxes, they traveled to Marion from Alabama and we hosted them for two days at our studio in the Kennedy Art Center. During our meetings together, we developed a strong plan for ensuring the content would be designed with the function and aesthetic that would ensure the learning would be meaningful and strengthen family experiences.
With the brand tools in hand, we moved full steam ahead toward designing each of the fourteen activities they had written content for. Proof drafts were created for each activity and sent to the OptIN team for feedback. Multiple iterations were evaluated to ensure every detail was considered. The materials were packaged in custom boxes that fit inside a larger box (much like a bento box) and ranged from emoji sticks to custom “bandaids” to decoder stories, story cards, spinners, and more. When the team was ready, prototypes were created to test. We worked with print and production studios to ensure the best quality for a fair price was available, reinforcing the experience the clients hoped for the users.
This month two of our team members, Emily and Peter Troutner, traveled to Alabama to participate in a retreat hosted by OptIN. During the retreat, twenty-five participants from varying backgrounds interacted with the OptIN Story Investigators Kids Box of activities and offered feedback through testing to ensure the goals were met. The products were a big hit! Over time, the boxes will be sent out to families so they can begin benefitting from the materials, enhancing their family values through a deeper understanding of scripture.
The Family Matters online Design Thinking Session, designed and led by MDC, hosted participants scattered from coast to coast representing an organization based in New Jersey. As with every design thinking session, we created a custom experience with new methods that helped the team dive into understanding today’s busy family life. One of the activities we called the Intersection and Emotional Journey Map. This empathy-driven examination required the participants to examine family life from an empathetic point of view. It examined what moments throughout the day family members might intersect together at the same time and place. It also examined how the members might feel throughout the day. Both of these data points helped us understand what might be ideal times or momentary captures of time to infuse meaningful intention that supports family values.
It is insights gained from guided examinations like these that open up opportunities to create innovative solutions to seemingly impossible, everyday problems. We’re excited about more opportunities to help businesses, families, and organizations explore how their relationships can be strengthened through long-lasting, foundational principles using design thinking.
We’re making room for new products! To keep our store small but curate the best products for you, we’re clearing out some great items! Check out our website or come to the store to see what’s on sale. Once they’re gone, they won’t be available again. If you’ve been saving up for a Fellow Kettle, Interior design decor, or colorful game, this is your opportunity to purchase it in the store or order it online for pick up! (Kettles and smaller items may be shipped).
Products are coming in from Germany, Paris, and across the U.S. Our MOMA products are expanding and the coming months will bring in new Marion Design Co. and Kennedy Art Center merch. Keep checking back each week to see what’s new!
During July and August 2024, we’ll offer two-hour Mini Masterclasses on Saturdays from 12:30-2:30 covering creative topics ranging from studio arts, technical design, and culinary craft. Courses will be taught by professional designers or partners who practice in the profession of their instruction.
Sign up for a MiniMasterclass subscription and save!
Registration will be available beginning June 28th.
Individual class rate: $40
Purchase multi-class subscriptions by July 9th to receive the discount!
2 classes @ 10% discount = $36 per class
4 classes @ 15% discount = $34 per class
6 classes @ $48 per class = $32 per class
Details are coming soon! Check back @ https://www.mariondesign.co/events
This summer we welcome our newest Graphic Design Intern. Tabby Lo is a Senior Graphic Design major at Anderson University in South Carolina. Trained by two of Marion Design Co. founders (Luke Anspach and Herb Peterson) who recently began teaching design at Anderson, she’s already brought a unique level of passion and her human-centered design mindset to our studio.
As a first-generation Hmong American and the first of six siblings to attend a four year college, she holds a deep appreciation for her culture. With a love for bridging gaps, bringing people together, and building communities, she believes that the world changes because of people, and design is meaningful only when created with people in mind.
Rent out our kitchen for your summer events! With the cool air inside while the garage door keeps the outdoors accessible, it’s an ideal place to have your family event or office gathering!
The current show, Space Between, will only be on exhibit until July 12th! Art sales are available until the exhibit closes.
We have two exciting new exhibits coming in July and September. Save the dates for gallery openings on July 20th and September 20th.
More info to come!
For more information, contact us at hello@mariondesign.co
https://www.mariondesign.co/
Newsletter 037
We're excited to announce a collaborative project with the EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment) Research team! We've been working on developing layout concepts to refresh their website making it easier for researchers and clients to access the wealth of knowledge EMA offers.
The new design concept prioritizes user experience, ensuring smooth navigation and quick access to EMA's insightful research articles and practical workshop tools. They also received a logo refresh to transform their logo into one that is more web-friendly. This revamped website will be a valuable resource for those studying human experiences in daily life, ultimately promoting well-being for all.
This Father's Day, show your appreciation with gifts that celebrate and empower the amazing father and grandfather in your life. Our curated selection of productivity-boosting products is designed to make work more efficient and balance more attainable. Here are some top picks:
Baggu Medium or Large Nylon Cresent Bag: Both can be carried on your shoulder or crossbody. The medium size carries all of the essentials for client meetings including space for your tablet. The large size carries a laptop and more without straining your back.
Baron Fig Journals: The Huddle and Clear Habit Journals provide a guided framework for work balance efficiency.
Desktop Cubes Calendar: This analog modern calendar is a sharp sculpture for his desk or bookshelf.
FREDERICKS AND MAE Games: Play is strategic work. Reinforce play with the gift of a game!
Original Art: He likely needs pictures in his office. Select from the twenty-three works of art on exhibit now at the Kennedy Art Center or additional artwork at the Marion Design Co. Store.
Join us for a night of pairs! Two sisters, Alyssa and Amaya Thompson, launch their first book to the sound of two Jazz musicians, Robert Barnett and Darrell Briscoe. Everything begins at the Kennedy Art Center, Saturday, May 25th at 7 pm with the girls sharing a few words at 7:30. The night will include mocktails and light refreshments, a giveaway, and a 10% discount on all MDC store products!
We’re thrilled that Willie has joined the team as a Senior Graphic Designer. He brings years of experience working with clients conducting all things human-centered design related! He studied Alternative Process Photography and Design at Indiana Wesleyan and has his coaching certification through Lark’s Song.
He’s worked in creative teams at non-profits and creative agencies. His work has been focused on storytelling and the visual arts, creative direction, brand solutions, design systems, and video production.
His entrepreneurial spirit has led to a passion for helping businesses use storytelling to connect with their audiences. For many projects, his role is that of a translator, helping individuals and systems to communicate and be perceived in ways that may not otherwise feel native to them.
He loves spending time with his wife and kids on their small homestead, playing with his band, reading philosophy and fiction, plotting the arcs of movie storylines, and film photography.
Janelle, a Taylor undergrad student, is wrapping up her Spring 2024 Business Internship with MDC. She played a critical role in strengthening and streamlining our store’s product inventory, pricing, and bookkeeping. When asked about her time at Marion Design Co. she shared a few reflective throughts:
“One of the most notable aspects of my internship at Marion Design Co. has been the sense of inclusivity within the workplace culture. It's a quality that truly sets the company apart. At the beginning of my internship, I was impressed by the level of creativity expressed by my colleagues. What stood out to me was the first time Wendy asked for my input on ideas I consider to be creative matters during a meeting. When given my role as a business intern, I presumed my contributions might not carry significant weight in this area. However, I quickly realized that every voice is highly valued at MDC, irrespective of position.
Throughout my internship, I aimed to contribute significantly to enhancing organizational procedures across various business domains. One of my main goals was to make spreadsheets easily accessible for anyone to be able to pick up and understand the financial and product-oriented trends of the business. I made an effort to become a part of the Marion community by contributing to community-focused events, I aimed not only to connect with individuals but also to serve their needs. Moreover, I prioritized maintaining MDC's community-centric approach, ensuring that my ideas reflected the company's values. MDC offers a people-centered approach to business, providing an opportunity to consider others in the handling of business affairs. An internship that opens someone's mind to look outwardly instead of inwardly is rare. I am blessed to have the experience of this perspective, especially as I pursue a job after graduation.”
We’re grateful for Janelle’s contributions to our studio and clients. We look forward to welcoming her back as an intern in the fall!
The dining room was filled with anticipation as the guests experienced wafts of Italian seasoning creating an inviting atmosphere at the Kennedy Art Center. Michael Barmes curated an Italian experience with a menu to tantalize our tastebuds. The Marion Design Co. team, draped in black aprons served the guests a three-course meal with wine pairings selected by the chef.
SLŌ Supper was inspired by our continuing effort to empower the talents we’re discovering throughout our community.
Grant County has so many gifted chefs who serve at local restaurants, cater, or are talented home cooks! These supper experiences allow the chef to feature dishes they may not typically serve at their restaurant or cater to their clients. If you know of someone who would enjoy cooking for SLŌ, please contact us at hello@mariondesign.co.
Wendy Puffer, Chief Executive Officer
Keith and I just returned from a vacation in Korea. It’s been 11 years since we visited my homeland, so we were very excited to go! While we had practiced some Korean language in preparation, we found Google Translate to be our friend regarding reading menus and the occasional sign. However, even with the convenience of the Korean language being magically transformed into interpretive English, we still found ourselves in the middle of subway stations staring at Google Maps in confusion.
On many occasions during our 10-day trip, a kind-hearted person would approach us speaking in Korean with hand motions and expressions that somehow provided just enough information to get us to the next place. On two occasions strangers would go out of their way to lead us to the train and jump on with us (even if it wasn’t leading them to their destination) to ensure we were headed toward our destination.
We visited many places of interest that inspired us to live beyond our own understanding, but the framework of kindness that blanketed our experiences is a memory that will continue to be told even when the details disappear over time. Kindness isn’t a sacrifice of time, it’s a sacrifice of self that replenishes the soul. It’s an attribute that isn’t true to itself if not it’s not given away. If you’ve forgotten what kindness looks like, take a trip! I recommend South Korea. You’ll be reminded of how natural it is to give kindness away!
Newsletter 036
So many ideas need good design! When a client invites us into a place of curiosity, we are compelled to ensure we have a clear understanding of what's true about the problem they’re tackling and the people they’re serving.
We not only bring in a new visual lens, but we engage in the pursuit of problem-solving that digs deep into human behavior discovered only through an empathy-driven design process.
From logos for a small business to ongoing brand identity partnerships with organizations and corporations, we ensure the essence of your mission is elevated. The breadth of our work is seen in buildings and in lived experiences, through design thinking sessions and strategic planning.
This recent window graphics installation was created through a partnership with Halstead Architects and IHC. The grand opening for their renovated facility is May 22nd.
Join us for a casual evening at the Kennedy Art Center on April 19th | 7 - 9 pm. This exhibit sponsored by the Marion Arts Commission, Indiana Arts Commission, and The Community Foundation of Randolph County invites viewers to explore the interstitial spaces that often go unnoticed in our daily lives. It challenges conventional notions of space and invites contemplation on the significance of what lies between.
Twenty-three artists from diverse backgrounds were invited to interpret the theme, Space Between, in their unique way, using various mediums such as sculpture, installation, painting, photography, and multimedia. The work ranges from depictions of literal spaces we can see and touch to representations of symbolic divides such as the chasm that separates dreams from reality. This exhibition also prompts reflection on the in-between liminal spaces we experience in life, from one stage to the next.
As you wander through the first-floor and lower-level galleries, we invite curious questions into the gallery space through conversations and self-reflection. Ponder the diverse interpretations of the theme by the works of art created by local and national artists and explore the space between your lived experience and the message you understand through their artistic expression.
Keep reading! The artist who created the cover art is featured next!
Emily Dexter, Copywriting Intern 2023
After working as a copywriting intern for Marion Design Co., my biggest takeaway can be summed up in one of the MDC team's favorite phrases: you are the answer. To me, this short sentence is a powerful reminder of the creative potential of each and every person. It is a reminder of our agency in the world, of the privilege we have to influence our communities' futures for the better.
Since interning with Marion Design Co., I have taken a full-time role as the content marketing coordinator at Good Party, a national organization building free tools and community for people across the United States who want to make a difference by running for office outside of the two-party system. This role reminds me of the ripple effect that can happen when local leaders become empowered and change begins happening, one community at a time.
My artwork in the upcoming exhibit, titled "Girl to Woman," marks a full circle moment. This work is a meditation on coming of age — a subject I've been thinking about more and more, as I come up on the first anniversary of my graduation from IWU. To me, the art making process is closely aligned with the process of deep thinking. The same holds true for writing. Whether I find myself making visual or written art, my mind goes into a similar flow state, using the medium in front of me to puzzle through a particular question or experience.
You’re invited to spend a special evening at the Kennedy Art Center experiencing a curated Italian dinner with friends made just for SLŌ Supper by Michael Barmes, popular chef of the Tomahawk in Marion! Michael’s been in the restaurant industry for 7 years. He’s worked as a professional chef for 5 of those 7 years. He’s constantly working on his craft trying new cuisines out from different cultures. His lifelong goal is to make everything completely from scratch at least once. He’s very excited to cook an Italian dinner experience for you all at the Kennedy Arts Center! Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Reservations close by midnight, Friday, April 19th, so be sure and make your reservation today! Seating is very limited!
Make it stand out
Host your special event at the Kennedy Art Center! Whether it’s a graduation open house, wedding reception, or bridal shower, we’ll swing open the kitchen garage door as a welcome mat for your guests. When you rent out the kitchen and dining space or the whole gallery for your event, you’ll have access to our dinnerware, equipment, appliances, small appliances (Bunn coffeemaker, Vitamix, Cuisinart food processor, TK-1 Cappucino maker, etc.) and more! The lower-level gallery will be open later this month so you have even more space to host larger events! Go to kennedyartcenter.co to request a tour or book your next event!
Sunglasses, jewelry, tote bags, and more! We’re closing out our blue blocker and sunglasses line so if you’ve had your eye on a pair in the store, stop by our studio or purchcase them online! We’re adding new lines and restocking favorites, so check back often!
Angie Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Can you feel it? Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the sun is a little warmer, and everything just seems to come alive again. As a designer, I find this time of year rejuvenating and inspiring. There's something about the vibrant colors, the gentle breeze, and the sound of birds chirping that just sparks inspiration. It's like nature's hitting the reset button on my creativity, reminding me of the beauty and possibility that surrounds us.
The power of connection can be transformative in our lives. As we grow into adulthood and beyond, the more we connect with our community and those that we do life with, the more trusting and interdependent we become. Even from birth we were meant to depend on those around us. Babies cry to let those around them know that they need them. As we grow and go through life, young adults and adults alike react naturally when we need people. We cry when we miss someone in our lives, we are angry when someone hurts us or those around us, we are excited when we see someone special. Our bodies naturally produce these emotions.
So, as we trust, grow comfortable, and learn to depend on one another, our potential to thrive, create, and then help others around us only increases. It’s a truly powerful thing when we meet new people, discover the attributes of those around us, and impact our communities through interdependence with each other.
Newsletter 035
As the weather warms up in the midwest, there’s a fresh energy emerging! The sun is shining and the activity on the sidewalks and public places is teaming with people gathering. As the number of people increases, the speed of urgency is drawn back by a pull toward slowing down to literally stop and smell the roses. This newsletter is filled with ways to ease your load while increasing efficiency!
Spend less time on the computer and more time with people! Are you wrestling with how to create a social media presence that’s fresh and noticeable? We can help! We create social media templates that represent your brand through a deeper understanding of what your followers want to see. Whether it be through weekly Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIN posts, we can create templates and posts that strengthen your brand’s presence! Email us at hello@mariondesign.co to get started!
Beginning March 21st, our kitchen door will be open to our community for a casual lunchtime together every first and third Thursday of the month 12:00-1:30. Bring your sack lunch or grab a sandwich at one of our local cafes and join us for a break from work! If it’s a work lunch, consider meeting here at the Kennedy Art Center kitchen. Either way, you’re welcome!
Don’t want to go back to your office after lunch? Stay and work with us! Kennedy Art Center is a co-working space! The environment connects you to the outside while enjoying the comfort of the indoors. Whether it’s sitting in the gallery surrounded by the color of the current exhibit and large views of the outdoors through picture windows or in our dining kitchen with the garage door wide open to let the fresh air in, you’re sure to be productive while building community. For just $5.00 stay as long as you want (while we’re open 😀) and enjoy a cold drink or hot coffee. Cheaper than Starbucks and much quieter!
As the weather warms up and we permit ourselves more time for leisure, reading is one of the best activities for relaxing while sharpening our minds. It’s one of the best ways to increase our imagination! Reading improves sleep, exercises our brain, reduces stress, teaches empathy, expands our lifespan, and more. Here’s what our team is reading! Let us know what books you recommend!
The Kennedy Art Center is now accepting applications for our upcoming exhibition “Space Between.” This show seeks to highlight artwork that investigates the gap between one thing and another, whether that be objects, concepts, or mindsets. This could include the literal, physical space between two things, such as an alleyway: the space between two buildings. It could also refer to the gap between two social classes, or the transitionary period between two phases of life - even playing with scale or comparison: perhaps the space between a grassroots organization and its community vs. an individual in that community. Interpretation of the show’s theme can be varied, and creativity in exploring it is welcomed. Click on the link to learn more and submit an application before March 19th. The deadline is March 19th!
Our final suggestion for launching a new perspective is to celebrate the past. We’re doing that by looking back at each iteration of the Marion Made Fashion Show.
2024 was no exceptions as each event had its own unique flare sparked by the people who share their creative talents.
Bringing back the workshop and topping it off with a gallery exhibit, 2024’s Marion Made was the most ambitious series of events yet! Click on the links below to catch a video glimpse of the 2018, 2019, and our most recent 2024 show!
Emily Troutner, Chief Design Officer
Can you feel it? Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the sun is a little warmer, and everything just seems to come alive again. As a designer, I find this time of year rejuvenating and inspiring. There's something about the vibrant colors, the gentle breeze, and the sound of birds chirping that just sparks inspiration. It's like nature's hitting the reset button on my creativity, reminding me of the beauty and possibility that surrounds us.
So, here's my challenge to you: ditch your desk for a bit and take a walk outside. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Let the fresh air clear your head and open you up to new ideas. You might be surprised by what you find – a cool pattern on a leaf, a conversation with a neighbor you haven't seen in a while, or simply a renewed sense of calm that fuels your creativity. After all, sometimes the best way to get inspired is to simply be present in the moment and connect with the world around you. Grab a friend, a sketchbook, or even just your phone to capture some inspiration. You never know what creative spark you might ignite, and who knows, you might even spark a collaboration or two along the way! So get out there and let spring do its magic!
Newsletter 034
There’s freedom in “anything” as long as the foundation from which you’re driven isn’t suppressing the freedom in someone else. It’s a dance that requires others to join you on the dance floor! Many won’t join unless they’re invited.
As you read this month's newsletter, you may be asking yourself, “What’s a design company doing hosting a Fashion Show and Cooking Classes while also creating book covers, logos, and design thinking sessions? Let’s just say, we consider the design space our dance floor. With the crowd swaying to the sounds of celebration, we carry the rhythm of unreasonable hospitality with a certain responsibility to elevate our community’s assets. Design allows us to do that.
Creativity meets consciousness in this 3rd Annual collaborative fashion exhibit of Marion's residents' ingenuity. Originally inspired by the Marion Cinema House showcasing the “True Cost” documentary hosted by Marion Design Co, Marion Made was launched in 2018 to inform and inspire our community to consider the harmful impact placed on our environment and people by the fast fashion industry. Followed by another show in 2019 and a pause through COVID, this re-emergence of Marion Made through a partnership with the Marion Arts Commission is concluded with this exhibit of a three-chapter story.
Marion Made Fashion Workshop: On January 20th, the Kennedy Art Center hosted a workshop packed with hopeful participants from Indianapolis to Marion, ready to take on the challenge of creating an outfit that met the objective of designing from resourced clothing and other materials supplied by Renewed Boutique and local residents. After brief instruction, each individual or team selected their materials and set out to create an outfit. With sewing machines, hot glue, and a lot of ingenuity, eighteen outfits emerged as runway-ready.
Marion Made Fashion Runway Show: On February 3rd, the Kennedy Art Center was transformed into a high-end fashion show with a thirty-two-foot long runway, red light washing the walls, rows, and rows of chairs, and a lively stage backdrop. With a packed house of standing-room-only onlookers, the models emerged one by one taking the stage, donning their reinvented outfits. After the show, the panel of judges and the audience voted for the outfits that best emulated the five categories of the competition: Sustainability, Craftsmanship, Je Ne Sais Quoi, AccessAbility, and People’s Choice awards.
Marion Made Fashion Gallery Exhibit: Showcasing a remarkable fusion of fashion and environmental awareness, each garment displayed embodies the spirit of reinvention, crafted with care from re-purposed materials sourced locally. Every piece of clothing carries a story, not just of style, but of a global supply chain that often neglects ethical and sustainable practices. Even the mannequins that display the outfits are made of resourced materials. Art + Design students at Indiana Wesleyan University were charged with the challenge to create “flat-packed” mannequins from cardboard that represented the outfit they selected. Not only do the outfits display local creativity, but the mannequins mirror the innovative spirit as well.
This series of events celebrates the power of design in people. Fashion, in this case, was the medium selected to bring people together to recognize our own assets. No matter what age, economy, culture, or political preference, celebrating the efforts of individuals to create beauty unifies our focus. We’re grateful for all of our partners who made this series a huge success!
It’s not too late to sign up for our first SLŌ Supper! We are featuring our neighbor, Jeff Richardson, owner of the popular Obi’s Barbecue in downtown Marion. SLŌ Supper brings an elevated one-night dining experience with a menu never before shared with the public crafted by a local chef. This three-course meal with wine pairings is sure to be delicious in an environment that brings celebration to your midweek!
The market is flooded with books on every topic but rarely is there a text that checks off the boxes of story telling and personal insight from insightful young writers who happen to be sisters! We recently completed a book design for a newly launched text entitled: We Don’t Know Either: Embracing the “I Don’t Knows” with Full Reliance on Jesus. Published by Streamline Books, Alyssa and Amaya Thompson’s honesty and humble approach to navigating worldly advice against Godly wisdom. Yes, you can buy it on Amazon. We’ll soon have it for sale in the store. So support local and come into the store or buy it online on our website. We’ll notify you when it’s available in Marion.
Our first cooking class was a hit, celebrating the care for our community and intentional focus on healthy and delicious food! Jennifer Noseworthy taught us how to make a one-pot meal using sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, and bowtie pasta without the wait for the water to boil!
Our second class features sourdough bread! Reka Brookes will be teaching best practices for making this delicious favorite!
Join us on Wednesday, March 13th at 7:00 pm at the Kennedy Art Center Kitchen. The cost is $15. Bring a large mixing bowl and a dishtowel to cover your bread.
Reservations for the gallery, conference room, and kitchen spaces are available for parties, meetings, and events at the Kennedy Art Center. Make your reservation for 2024-25!
Brittany Long, Chief Operations Officer
When I was a teacher, celebrating holidays was the most joyful experience. It didn’t matter if they were in 4th grade or middle school, kids love a good reason to eat sugary treats and play games. I remember one year as a teacher, we ended class two hours early so we could set up the classroom and celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The students had previously decorated brown paper lunch bags in red and pink paper with their names on them. With those out, students went around delivering their valentines to each other. Every single person received a valentine. And then we played games and ate cupcakes and then I sent them home jittery on sugar to their parents. I know some state that Valentine’s Day isn’t a real holiday. Others love to celebrate with gifts or flowers. Whatever camp you find yourself in, this “love” week brings pause to the question - how do you show love to your loved ones? Do you like to buy gifts or cards to show you care? Do you prefer spending quality time getting coffee or dinner with them? Are you more of an activities person who likes to go out and do things with their person?
My other question for you is - how do you receive love? Is it the same way you show love to others or is it different? For me, I really enjoy quality time both as a gift and to give. I challenge you this month to reflect on how you loved the people in your life. As Vincent Van Gogh once said, “The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love others.”
Newsletter 033
Were you at the launch of Marion Made in 2018? It was a hot August evening but the heat didn’t melt the excitement and energy of the standing-room-only crowd in the south alley of the downtown square. They poured out onto the sidewalk to hear Tim George MC, Luke Anspach perform original music, and Kristin Salate of Trace Fashion speak and, of course, catch a glimpse of the 20 outfits strutt down the runway modeled by local kids, teens, and adults.
This significant event, an idea sparked by one of our former interns, Yeabi Tabb (currently a grad student at Parson’s New School New York) was in response to a Marion Cinema House (Marion Design Co’s summer movie house) showing of The True Cost, a riveting 2015 documentary highlighting the poor labor practices of the fashion industry. We were passionate about informing our community of the impact this practice has on a local level.
Leading up to the fashion show, we hosted a one-day workshop with teens, college students, and the Quilters Hall of Fame. Within a three-hour period, teams created outfits for the fashion show made from sustainably sourced garments from local resale stores. The designers tore the clothes apart and remade them into beautiful creations ranging from fashionable ensembles to outrageous costumes (think dragons!).
The show was recreated in 2020 in the space where the Five Points Axe Throwing is currently located. This space, previously only accessible through the Boston Hill Center was vacant with only framing and tattered drywall on the walls. Our design team transformed the space into a high-end fashion show venue with colored lights, motion graphics, and a raised runway. Jer Nelsen (former IWU photography professor) and his team and IWU facilities gave their time and expertise along with donated light equipment, stage risers, and chairs to make it possible to create the atmosphere we imagined! After a lot of cleaning and quick construction for makeshift dressing rooms and more, the venue was transformed. The show was followed by a celebratory AfterParty with a DJ and dancing while eating gorgeous slices of pies made by Paul Allison. Check out the video of the show on our website!
Through the support of the Marion Arts Commission and the Indiana Arts Commission, we’re bringing the original workshop, fashion show, and AfterParty back to downtown Marion! The outfits will be on display for the Marion Made Fashion Exhibit at the Kennedy Art Center from February through April of 2024.
Here’s the schedule of events. Details will be released on the Marion Arts Commission, Kennedy Art Center, and Marion Design Co. Instagram and Facebook pages as they’re available.
Fashion Maker Workshop: Saturday, January 20, 2024
(Deadline to RSVP for the Workshop by midnight: January 16, 2024)
Open studio: Jan 24 and 27 for Fashion Makers
Marion Made Fashion Show: Saturday, February 3, 2024. Seating is limited! Tickets will be released on January 3, 2024
Gallery Opening of the Marion Made Exhibit at the Kennedy Art Center: Saturday, February 10
The outfits will be on display through April 2024
We hope you’ll attend and get involved! Here’s how! Donate a year-end gift to the Marion Arts Commission to help offset costs for the workshop, fashion show, and afterparty!
The 3 TIER options are:
Tier 1 $50 VIP reserved seating for two people
Tier 2 $100 VIP covers expenses for one model. We have 25 models slated to walk the runway! You’ll receive VIP reserved seating for two people at this tier plus your name and logo will be posted at the door and on the stage at the event.
Tier 3 $300 Toward prizes, catering, music and DJ staff, lights, and stage design. You’ll receive VIP reserved seating for up to 4 people and your logo and name will be posted on all promotional material.
Click the button below and you’ll be directed to the Marion Arts Commission website. Click the Donate button which will take you to the Community Foundation MAC Donation page. Select the ONE-TIME donation option. Write Tier 1, 2, or 3 and any other helpful information in the Special Instructions box.
We’re grateful for longstanding partners who have entrusted their stories to us through multiple projects! Dr. Amanda Drury, Professor of Practical Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University is one such person.
We just recently created the brand identity for one of her most recent projects funded by the Lilly Foundation called Strengthening Ministry with Children Coordination Program. From building blocks as table decorations to signage, Dr. Drury and her team utilized the brand to strengthen the story and cast vision at a recent conference for 55 churches from all over the United States at The Alexander in Indianapolis.
From designing the Imaginarium brand to applying placemaking principles for a trauma-informed space at the Brain Kitchen and speaking with audiences about designs’ impact at conferences (click here to view the recording of a talk we gave at Princeton University, May 2022), she’s entrusted us with multiple projects.
Reservations for the gallery, conference room, and kitchen spaces are available for parties, meetings, and events at the Kennedy Art Center. Make your reservation for 2024 here!
Peter Troutner, Chief Creative Officer
Sometimes the fashion world and industry seem so far away - unattainable, unreachable, and unrealistic - but even here in our small midwestern city I’ve seen fashion take root, grow, and inspire people. Since the very beginning of the MarionMade fashion show, I’ve seen creativity blossom and flourish in the hands of citizens, students, and professionals alike.
It’s shown me that in the hands of ordinary people - we can reuse clothes and things around us to highlight the creativity of our people and how that can illuminate and share joy with a wider audience. In the second year of the fashion show I participated as a model and that is still one of my top Marion memories watching people show up get excited and work together to create beauty.
MarionMade has made it so that fashion is no longer something attainable or far away - from my first year designing an outfit to strutting the runway in year two I’m ready to get back in the action and see what others have to offer in a world of endless possibilities. I want to see how you reinterpret the things around you and gather diverse perspectives into a collaborative fashion experience anyone can try their hand at.
Newsletter 032
Design creates a framework for all kinds of stories and experiences. In the case of the Strengthening Ministry with Children Coordination Program Conference, the brand we created took the form of conference signage, promotional materials, and even tablecloths! We have the privilege of working with a dynamic team that is leveraging the power of design thinking as a framework for innovation in the church. With a grant from the Lilly Foundation, Dr. Amanda Drury, (Indiana Wesleyan University) and her team are gathering leaders from churches around the country to develop new ways of supporting families in the church as they navigate the challenges they confront in today’s culture.
On Friday, October 20th, we hosted a gallery opening for an exhibit curated by Marion Design Co. and the Marion Arts Commission and made possible in part by the Indiana Arts Commission along with the Community Foundation of Randolph County through an Arts Project Grant. "How Do We Get Here" seeks to pull the first thread toward unraveling the intricate layers of history, culture, and design that have converged to create Marion's contemporary racial landscape. This exhibition recognizes that race is not an abstract concept but an integral part of our residents' everyday experiences.
At the heart of "How Do We Get Here" are the voices and stories of our residents. Through demographic surveying, personal interviews, and thoughtful questions of curiosity, we’ve created a context for individuals to share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs in the context of race. As an individual explores this exhibition, our hope is that "How Do We Get Here" not only informs their understanding but also prompts thoughtful reflection on the experiences and definitions of racism within our community. By acknowledging and learning from our past, we aim to collectively create a more inclusive, empathetic, and equitable future.
The four main sections of the exhibit are:
Marion’s Tapestry Dot Voting: As you explore the exhibition, you will find a designated area where you can place a dot sticker on categories that represent your race and ethnicity, as well as those of your family's origin. This simple yet impactful gesture will contribute to a collective visual representation of the rich tapestry of identities within our community.
Lived Experience: The photographs displayed in this portion of the exhibition serve as a powerful testament to the courageous residents of Marion, IN, who have generously shared their personal experiences and perspectives on the complex issues of race and equality. These individuals have participated in recorded interviews, where they were asked three fundamental questions that delve into the heart of the matter: What is Racism? Have you experienced racism? Are all races equal? The aim of this exhibition is not only to inform but also to prompt introspection and inspire change. It invites you to relate to the narratives shared by your fellow community members and to consider how their stories might compel you to take action in your own way. Each personal account is a call to empathy, a challenge to confront inequality, and an opportunity to contribute to positive change within Marion, IN, and beyond.
Do you see racism? This design display features historic and current artifacts which have faced criticism for their alleged racially charged design elements. The guest is invited to actively participate in this thought-provoking conversation by casting a vote by dropping an orange or purple marble in the glass jar next to each artifact with a vote indicating whether they think the object is offensive or not offensive. The objects include a Yellow Whistle, the Black Sambo children’s book, the Sleeping Mexican statue, a Redskins pendant, the Chiquita Bananas logo, Aunt Jemima syrup, and Saltine crackers.
Finally, each visitor has a chance or provide their response to three questions asking for their reactions to the show and how we move forward with hope. Over the course of November and December, we’ll continue to collect the community’s input.
We invite you to come see the show and interact with the exhibit. Your voice is critical to us understanding our community and how racism has impacted all of us. We invite you to come see the show and interact with the exhibit. Your voice is critical to us understanding our community and how racism has impacted all of us. We’re open T-F 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sat. 11:00-3:00.
“Unreasonable Hospitality” ( a term borrowed from the book title by Will Guidara) is a practice critical to every detail we plan when hosting guests in our studio at the Kennedy Art Center. BLOOM, a women’s conference hosted by United Way and Greater Grant County, asked us to host an event this year designed to celebrate the amazing women in our county. In the Korean culture, the dinner table is a central communal experience. It seemed only fitting that we bring that type of experience to our kitchen. After months of planning the menu with intentional interaction during the dining experience, we opened to doors to a full house of “open to try anything” individuals. Our team of volunteers and MDC leaders served our guests with professionalism and generosity. The energy and joy in the room was contagious! With the grill central to the dining experience, everyone enjoyed dining on Pork Buns, Bulgoki, nine types of Banchan (side dishes including Kimchi), Ramen and dumplings, Spring Rolls, Soju and Korean coffee, to drink, and Strawberry Mochi Mash with homemade sorbet for dessert. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and the faithful volunteers who served with grace.
If you’re exploring options for hosting an event for the end of the year or to bring in the new year, consider hosting it at the Kennedy Art Center! Event rental details can be found at https://www.kennedyartcenter.co/event-rental. If you’re interested in hiring our team to create the experience by cooking for you, email us at hello@mariondesign.co. We custom-make every experience to fit what your hopes are for your guests.
What do Pella and Mason City, Iowa have in common with Marion, Indiana?
Both communities are working toward empowering their residents to celebrate its history and vibrant future. Last month we traveled for a three-day vision trip with other local leaders to learn about their growth and unique storytelling to tourists. We were inspired to celebrate what’s happening in our community and continue the momentum of collaboration. More plans are in the works!
We want to be home with family on Small Business Saturday, so we’re celebrating SBS all month! We’ll be featuring gift bags curated by our team with pairings from our collection of products designed to encourage and inspire through December 15th! Each package is a one-of-a-kind so once it’s gone, it won’t be offered again. A 15% discount is applied to the total package! These can be given as an entire set or divided to give as individual gifts. Buy one (or more) for yourself and several as Christmas gifts. Each week we’ll be launching new packages, so watch your email inbox for new package announcements. Come on in and check out the products and purchase instantly or we also hand deliver within a 30 mile radius for just $5! Shipping rates beyond local vary according to location.
Wendy Puffer, NCIDQ, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
At age 63 I have my dream job! There isn’t a title for it. I’d call it more of a mindset brought to life. What does it look like? It’s a blanket of hospitality that covers creative contexts designed to bring joy. In one month, I’ve had the privilege of serving people with an amazing team to design dining experiences, spaces, brands, art exhibits, faith-based experiences, community activities, classroom experiences, grant writing ideation, material and finish plans, product buying experiences, strategic planning sessions, and design thinking sessions. When I’m designing for life, there’s no limit to the conversations and opportunities available.
As we approach Thanksgiving, my hope is that wherever you’re doing your work, you’re making it your dream job. Whether it’s changing diapers or leading a multi-million dollar company, the dream is in the “why” of the job. The “why” is always found in the “who.” Who are you serving? Are they receiving the joy from you that the job affords? If not, then wiggle and shift the job a bit. Adapt the parts that you can control. Figure out why you’re doing it and if it’s serving those who deserve your attention. Wiggle and shift so you’re able to settle into joy.
