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LOCAL BUSINESSES

South Main Square Arts District Coming Alive Again with Addition of Hearts on Fiber

by | Jan 6, 2020 | Bottom Left Box, Local Businesses

When my family moved to Davidson nearly 12 years ago, I remember passing a sign that read ‘South Main Arts District’ and, being an artist, I was unbelievably excited. Although, I have to admit, when I went exploring the area, I was sad to find little, if no, art whatsoever. What I learned is that the area was once home to a lively art community that had since moved out and on to other places. So disappointed!! But, the sign was still there. Perhaps, in hopes of a resurgence.

Well, I believe that resurgence is taking shape. First came the fabulous AR Workshop with it’s wonderful wood crafting opportunities and classes. Then, The Casual Creative (which I have a soft spot for – it’s my studio!) which hosts parties, unique classes, and pop up shops featuring local artists. And now the newest addition, Hearts on Fiber, owned by Davidson local, Kim Clark.

Hearts on Fiber fills a niche, not just in our little arts district, but also for the town as a whole. Davidson needed a fiber arts staple to provide the kinds of specialty classes we lost with the closing of the wonderful Needlecraft Center that lived for 40 years in the historic district. Kim answered that call to take up the reins.

Kim rekindled her love of knitting and began dying her own yard in her kitchen sink. By January 2019, the house was busting at the seams with yarn, while she basically ran a fiber retail business out of her home. Kim said, “Even the door was blocked by furniture holding yarn!” The time had come to find a retail space in town. By May 2019, a lease was signed, and Hearts on Fiber officially opened its doors that June.

Kim is very proud to have her whole family working hard to make the business a success. The concept of Hearts on Fiber was originally birthed by Kim’s daughter, Lily. As soon as a location was locked down, Lily took charge. Kim credits her with all graphic design, all social media posting and, as Kim puts it, practically running the store. “She also has this ability to find the latest, unique trends in the industry. It’s very impressive.”

Daughters Lily and Lindsey work on the weekends, as well. Kim’s husband, Tony, came up with the name of the business and also many of their innovative ideas.

Hearts on Fiber is not only a retail shop for yarn, but also hosts workshops and free events, such as Main Street Hooks and open knitting time. Classes include yarn dying, table knitted blankets, crotchet baskets and more. There is even craft time for the kiddos. Hearts on Fiber further offers a monthly Stitch and Sip with Davidson Wine Co. and also a second Tuesday creative time titled ‘Drafts and Crafts’ with Summit Coffee.

When asked where she’d like to see Hearts on Fiber in five years, Kim joked, “I’d like to take over the craft world.” She envisions adding fabric, sewing, needle punch, locker hooking, and “any other craft that involves fiber!”

Kristen Feighery

Kristen Feighery is a self-taught folk artist, originally from southeastern Kentucky. She spends her days painting anything not nailed down (and some things that are), chauffeuring one daughter to sporting events, having tea parties with the other, and writing a blog.  She's also married to a rather large Irishman and has a pub in her house. Really.

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