Scott Ward, of Scott Ward Art and Current and Furbish, has been named?Magnolia’s Business Person of the Year by the?Magnolia Chamber of Commerce. Magnolia Voice caught up with the artist and asked him a little bit about his art and inviting?Village shop:
MV:What was the inspiration for your store?
SW: We wanted to offer unique and creative items. This includes refurbished furniture, found items, as well as art, housewares, gifts, cards, puzzles – all interesting, colorful and special.? Nothing we carry is made in China.? We focus on country of origin pieces and are always looking for new things.
MV: What do you enjoy most about having a shop in Magnolia?
SW: I don’t spend a?whole lot?of time there, but, there are?several things we love?about it.? First, we live in?Magnolia so being able to walk to and from the village is a treat.? We also love the sense?of a small town, where our customers are also our friends.? It?allows us to be more personal in?how?we do business.
MV: Tell us about your art!
SW: I’ve been a professional artist since 1999.? It is my?intention to create art that is inspiring, uplifting and, well, happy.? There is something magical about sitting at the easel on a gray, rainy Seattle day and filling the canvas with bright, fun, vibrant?colors.
MV: Why is the Chamber important to our community?
SW: The Chamber sits at the cross roads – where business meets neighbor meets community.?The people that are on the Chamber Board and the members of the chamber are dedicated to making Magnolia a vital, vibrant, active community.? We are in the process of working with a consultant to focus on the Village and explore what it can be in this time a place.? (more information to come later this year)? The chamber represents the business core of Magnolia life – whether it be the Village, or Interbay, or Thorndyke or at home businesses.? The chamber is active in creating many community events including Wine Walks, Winterfest, Summerfest.
MV: Anything you’d like to add?
SW: I love Magnolia! I love it’s history, it’s geography and it’s people.?I see that?Magnolia is in?a time of transition – the change over from one generation to the next.? There are many things about this community?that are nostalgic and defining, that we need to?honor.? At?the same time, there are some new things that we can?introduce?that will meet the needs of today’s residents.? I love the?both of these aspects?of Magnolia – it’s harkening to?a simpler time and?it’s willingness to explore?what that looks like today.? I have met some amazing and dedicated people?in my short time with the?chamber.? One thing is true – the people that live in Magnolia?love?Magnolia.?
Current and Furbish?is?open Tuesday – Friday from 11-5 and Saturday from?10-5.
The Magnolia Chamber of Commerce has presented a yearly Business Person Award since 1955.??The award recognizes a long-standing contribution to the Chamber and the community through outstanding achievements and activities on behalf of the community,?as well as the exceptional individual for his or her dedication to their own business, and a dedication to advancing the business climate in the community.
Magnolia Voice is proud to be a member of the Magnolia Chamber.?Have you joined yet??The Chamber has a rolling membership and?is always looking for new members, both businesses and regular citizens. Click here to join.
Jenni Sandmeyer, Chamber Director of Marketing and PR says there are many benefits to being a member of Magnolia’s Chamber of Commerce:
?It is a great way to be involved in your community and members are eligible for many different benefits including advertising discounts, invitations to monthly chamber meetings with various speakers, as well as participation in neighborhood events- Wine Walks, Summerfest, Springfest, Halloween in the village among others.
Come to a meeting! And congratulations, Scott Ward!
If you would like to join in celebrating?Ward’s?achievements, there?is still a handful of tickets available for the Business Person of the Year dinner,?Tuesday, February 24th at 6pm at Szmania’s Restaurant.??Get your tickets here: