A Work of Heart: Why You Should Consider Giving Local Art This Valentine’s Day
- TheColumbusite
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Written by TJ Shockley
Valentine’s Day has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute, it’s January, and before you know it, you are staring at a drugstore aisle full of teddy bears, red balloons, heart-shaped candy boxes, and cards that all seem to say the same thing. This year, if you’re looking for a gift that feels more personal, consider giving local art.
Gifting art isn’t just about finding something beautiful to wrap. It’s about celebrating creativity, supporting your neighbors, and choosing something that will last long after the chocolates are gone. Whether your Valentine is a long-time art lover or someone who’s just beginning to dabble in local creatives, a piece of locally-made art may be a better way to say “I know you” than a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates.
Why art makes a great Valentine’s gift
Art is inherently personal. When you give someone a painting, a print, a photograph, or a handmade object, you’re giving them something that reflects their taste, their space, and their interests. And unlike flowers or dinner reservations, art doesn’t disappear after a week. It becomes part of daily life: hung on a wall, placed on a shelf, or even used in a home. It can subtly remind the recipient of the moment it was given.
There’s also something deeply romantic about choosing art because it requires time and thought. What interests the recipient? How will a piece live in someone else’s world? Where will they place it in their home? Sometimes, that intention is often just as strong as the artwork itself.
Supporting love close to home
Buying local art is also an act of community care. When you purchase directly from a local artist, your money goes straight back into our creative economy. You’re helping an artist pay for materials, studio space, and time to keep making work that enriches Columbus.
Our city has no shortage of talented painters, photographers, illustrators, ceramicists, jewelers, and mixed-media artists. Many balance their creative practice with other jobs, families, and community commitments. Choosing their work as a Valentine’s gift says that you value what they contribute and want to see it continue.
Art for every kind of Valentine
One of the biggest misconceptions about buying art is that it has to be expensive or intimidating. Local art actually exists at almost every price point.
For a classic romantic gesture, you can consider a small original painting or drawing; these pieces can feel especially intimate. However, if originals are out of reach, limited-edition prints offer an affordable way to own a piece (sometimes a signed piece!) while still supporting the artist.
Photography is another thoughtful option, especially for someone who loves Columbus itself. Images of familiar downtown locations or streets, natural landscapes of the Chattahoochee River, or architectural details from old mills or historic homes can feel personal and connect the recipient to the city they call home.
If you are looking for something more functional, you may also consider handmade ceramics, textiles, or jewelry. Imagine a locally-made mug used every morning or a piece of jewelry worn regularly. These pieces can become part of someone’s daily ritual and serve as a subtle reminder of your relationship.
Choosing the right piece
Aren’t sure where to start? Think about what your Valentine responds to. Do they prefer bold colors or neutrals? Expressive detail or abstract designs? Paintings or sculptures? You can gain helpful clues by paying attention to their home, wardrobe, or favorite places.
It’s also okay to ask questions. Many local artists are happy to talk about their work, their process, and even help you choose a piece that fits your budget and intention. Those conversations can even become part of the gift itself, adding a layer of story you can share when you give it. And remember: art doesn’t have to match perfectly to be meaningful. Sometimes a piece stands out because it challenges, surprises, or invites conversation.
A gift that lasts
Valentine’s Day is as much about attention as it is about love. Giving locally-created art shows that you’ve chosen something with care. It supports Columbus creatives, strengthens our cultural community, and offers your Valentine a gift that lasts. This year, instead of reaching for something mass-produced or easily disposable, consider giving a piece of Columbus itself. Long after Valentine’s Day passes, the right piece of art can keep the feeling present for years to come.
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