A New Hub for Tacoma Artists and Art Enthusiasts
Tucked away just a block from the Ruston Way waterfront in Old Town, a new retail space is making waves with its vibrant collection of Tacoma artwork. From ceramic baby-head bolo ties to stickers, jewelry, magnets, glass planters, and whimsical paintings, Grit City Made offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates local creativity.
The store recently opened its doors at 2209 N. 30th St., and it has quickly become a go-to destination for art lovers. The owners, who are all Tacoma artists themselves, describe the shop as “a treasure trove of eclectic creations” and each item as “an enchanting reflection of our community’s uniqueness.”
A Space Designed for Artists and Shoppers
Krystal Jimenez, Mary Patton, and Natalie Haywood, the three co-owners, shared their excitement about finding a permanent location that met their needs. While they still sell their work at local markets, such as the upcoming Art on the Ave festival, they wanted a more stable environment where artists could showcase their work without the unpredictability of market settings.
Jimenez, who uses they/them and she/her pronouns, explained that the decision to open the shop was an opportunity to “reinvest into ourselves and our community.” Market sales can be inconsistent, and sometimes artists invest time and money only to make no sales at all. At Grit City Made, artists receive 65% of the sales from their work, with the remaining 35% supporting the business.
Supporting Artists and Community
Haywood emphasized that this model is designed to help artists thrive. “Typically it would be a 50/50 split, and we know that can be really difficult to survive on,” she said. “We really just want to create a space where artists can thrive.”
Patton added that some shoppers may feel anxious about attending large markets due to limited parking and hours. Grit City Made is designed to be more accessible, with plans to introduce sensory-friendly and mask-wearing hours in the future. The store will be open four days a week, offering a more consistent shopping experience.
Expanding the Vision
Looking ahead, the team hopes to offer classes and private events, potentially moving to a larger space with a studio. Currently, they are working on a “Labubu and Me” workshop where people can create charm necklaces for themselves and their viral keychain plushies. Updates on events can be found on Grit City Made’s Instagram or website.
Local Creators and Their Stories
The shelves at Grit City Made are filled with the owners’ own creations. Jimenez, known as the “baby head lady” and part of Yo Its Cake, specializes in ceramics. Patton, from Patton Glass, creates hand-blown glass pieces, while Haywood, of Nat Haywood Vibes, is a multi-disciplinary artist whose resin sculptures and paintings explore themes of mysticism and the natural world.
Other featured artists include Outer Rim Art, Jess Drew That, Lovesome Dove, Plastino Arts, Sketchboard Joy, Maxwell Woodworking, Change Face, and Mythic Wick. Jimenez noted that all the artists made at least one sale on the first day the shop opened.
A Personal Journey
Haywood shared how the shop has become a personal milestone. As a single mom, she wants to show her daughter that pursuing a passion can lead to a meaningful career. “No one, quite frankly, ever told me I could be an artist,” she said. “I just want her to know, like, if something is your passion, you can make a living off of it.”
Patton described the shop as a form of “soft rebellion,” a way to support the community and put money back into it. Many of the artists represented are disabled or part of BIPOC communities, and some are full-time artists while others balance other jobs. “It’s just really important to uplift our community directly,” she said.
Visiting Grit City Made
If you’re planning a visit, here are some details:
- Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
- Artist Opportunities: Any artists interested in selling their work at the shop can contact [email protected].
