American Made the Island Way!

American Made, the Island Way!

I recently made the trek to Atlanta to the Merchandise Mart, you know… Where America Shops! Unfortunately, I found very little that “America”, as in the good ole
U. S. of A., actually made! It was terribly disappointing, to say the least. Everywhere you look, it’s, Made in China – from Sea to shining Sea; New York to Key West,
San Francisco to Savannah, even Cozumel to Nassau – it’s all the same! A person can find very little that’s manufactured in a land, at the very moment, upon which are planted one’s own two feet!

Years ago, we invited a Savannah doll maker to the gallery for a “doll signing” event. The artisan was on hand, signing her beautiful creations; each exquisite porcelain doll made from her own design. Things were going along quite smoothly, until one lady stormed back in with her recently signed doll. “This doll is Made in China”, exclaimed the lady, in total disgust and indignation! The formerly petite, and unassuming woman, suddenly bore a scary resemblance to the incredible hulk! “I want my money back”, she screeched, her green eyes bulging crimson red! “I understood that YOU, “were a local Artist, nose to nose with the poor little doll maker! I expected my doll to be made in Savannah, Georgia; Not from the savanna rice paddy regions of China! Yikes, to say the least, we were all a bit mortified! The tag did actually read,
MADE IN CHINA! Why and just how can such a thing happen!

It’s usually a genuinely “good” thing when an Artist’s work gets picked up by a company to use in the manufacturing process of their goods and services. The Artist typically receives payment and continuing royalties for the use of his or her own designs on various manufactured products. The problem is that most companies seek the cheapest form of manufacturing for their products; it’s simply a “bottom line” decision. And, just where do you think most companies turn for the cheapest labor and manufacturing… China, of course!

Believe it or not, in a “Free Market System”, we use our money as a means to actually cast our Vote for specifically whose goods and services we desire to be available for sale in America! I recently heard it put quite nicely: “The more money we spend on products from China, India, Mexico, and so on, the more of those products we will see in our stores. And, by buying those products the money enters their economy, and doesn't stay in the U.S.A.” That's why so many of us constantly, reinforce buying local; it keeps the money in the local economy – to the contrary, buying Chinese products sends money to the Chinese economy.”

Among our 100 Local Artists, the Atlantic Beacon Gallery still represents the work of three or four artists who have “made it big” so to speak. We’ve met them, we know their work, and we’re proud of the fact that they have found such great success! However, most of what we have is made right here in the good old USA; and more specifically on Tybee and nearby vicinities. So, the next time you’re shopping around town, be sure to cast your VOTE for the U.S.A.! Pick up the item and look for that “Made in America” tag; and if you happen to be shopping in the Atlantic Beacon Gallery, or Hall of Frames, pick up a piece of pottery, stained glass, ornament, pillow, painting, print, picture frame, perhaps even your grand baby’s portrait! How about a purse, some out door Art, a Marti Gras Mask, witty sign, scarf, necklace, painted furniture, window, wall plaque, pillow, beer mug, wine or martini glass, etc… and look for the tag with the words; American Made, the Island Way! You’ll have cast a definitive Vote for your money to stay right here at home! …And just like the “California almond growers” said, please - shop with us once a week, that’s all we ask; and, “We Thank You For Your Support!”

:) Debbie & Mark Robinson, and our wonderful Artists & Staff!