Local artists find home at Hubbard shop

By Sarah Lehr | August 15, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

Local artists find a home at

HUBBARD

There’s something about coffee and conversation.

Marissa Devantier, owner of The Shop on Liberty Street, uses the caffeinated beverage to draw customers into her store, which showcases the work of local artists.

“When people have a cup of coffee in their hands, they’re much more likely to stay a while and chat,” Devantier said. “They’re relaxed and they want to stroll around and look at everything.”

Devantier, who grew up in Pittsburgh and Boardman, opened The Shop on Liberty Street at 20 W. Liberty St. in July 2015.

The shop features a small sit-down area for enjoying pour-over French-pressed coffee from Branch Street Coffee Roasters, 1393 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman; and baked goods from Jill’s Mixing Bowl, 3309 Pothour Wheeler Road, Hubbard, and Mary C’s Biscotti, 7556 Catherine St. SE in Masury.

Devantier explained that she’s learned to sell consumable things – such as edible treats – to ensure a steady stream of foot traffic through her door.

Devantier describes her shop as an “artisan collaborative,” which functions as a sort of brick-and-mortar Etsy. Local artists pay monthly rent for space in the store to showcase their wares. Maximum rent for the largest space available is $50.

“I love art, but more than that, I love people,” Devantier said. “I love fostering this entrepreneurial experience for people.”

To engage with the community, The Shop on Liberty Street hosts events including monthly tea tastings, open mics and recitals by students at Hubbard Music, located nearby at 51 N. Main St.

Items for sale include home goods, jewelry and other accessories. Devantier keeps a workshop in the back of the store where she makes items including ceramic coasters that she layers with old maps of cities.

“It’s a really simple concept that catches people’s attention because people are connected to places,” she said.

Other goods at the shop include $60 messenger bags re-purposed from men’s suit coats by Traveling Dog Co. and $25 throw rugs made from old sheets by Polly Fleming.

“There has to be some sort of craft to it,” Devantier said. “For that reason, it’s very difficult to sell things wholesale. Every item is different.”