Colorado’s Own ArtFair Apparel Making Waves in the Industry
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A Colorado couple has captured the hearts of many by promoting local artists through their innovative apparel company. Lydia Kramer and Ethan Shapiro, the brains behind ArtFair Apparel, have been on a mission to shine a spotlight on talented artists in their community. Their journey began in the summer of 2024 when they decided to create a unique brand that would feature local artists’ work on clothing, all while giving back to the art community.
Lydia and Ethan’s vision for ArtFair Apparel was clear – they wanted to showcase the creativity and talent of local artists by printing their designs on apparel. The duo also made it a point to highlight these artists on social media platforms, allowing them to reach a wider audience. What sets ArtFair Apparel apart is their commitment to sharing a portion of the proceeds with the artist’s chosen nonprofit, creating a full-circle support system for the local art community.
Their search for talented artists led them to Gary Raham, a 78-year-old artist known for his dinosaur-themed illustrations. Gary became the first artist to sign on with ArtFair Apparel, with all his proceeds going towards a local nonprofit. Lydia and Ethan’s dedication to supporting artists and giving them a platform to showcase their work has been a driving force behind the company’s success.
Judy Peterson, an 82-year-old artist, also joined the ArtFair Apparel family, bringing her unique archaeology-inspired art to the brand. Despite never selling her art before, Judy’s work gained newfound recognition through ArtFair Apparel’s platform. A video of Judy showcasing her designs went viral on social media, garnering millions of views and sparking immense interest in her artwork.
The success of Judy and Gary’s art has paved the way for more artists to join ArtFair Apparel, including Colette Pitcher and Marita McDonough. The couple’s dedication to promoting these artists has resulted in over 1,000 sales and a growing demand for their products. Their long-term vision includes expanding their community of artists nationwide and hosting events that bring art lovers and creators together.
Through ArtFair Apparel, Lydia and Ethan have not only created a successful business but also a supportive community for artists to thrive. Their passion for art and commitment to giving back has struck a chord with many, inspiring others to support local artists and appreciate the beauty of handmade creations. As ArtFair Apparel continues to grow, Lydia and Ethan remain dedicated to uplifting artists and connecting people through creativity and artistry.