Local artists display and sell their work at Antiquarium

The+Antiquarium+showcases+and+sells+both+decorative+art+pieces%2C+and+functional+pieces%2C+like+t-shirts+and+lamps.+Local+artists+and+craftsmen%2C+or+%E2%80%9Cmakers%2C%E2%80%9D+have+come+together+to+the+small+shop+in+order+to+get+eyes+on+their+art.%C2%A0

Mikaela Walker

The Antiquarium showcases and sells both decorative art pieces, and functional pieces, like t-shirts and lamps. Local artists and craftsmen, or “makers,” have come together to the small shop in order to get eyes on their art. 

Located on the south side of the historic Carthage Square, the Antiquarium has become a place for local makers, an all-encompassing term for artists and craftsmen, to showcase their work. Randi Bachman, the maker behind an artist brand called Cavacats, established the store in September of 2015. While her own art has a following on Instagram and other social media outlets, Bachman realized that she as well as many other makers did not have a local space to share their creations with or sell to the public. Bachman also knew that those pieces of art and handmade items would bring a renewed sense of uniqueness to gift-giving.

     “There’s a bit that gets lost in shopping in big box stores,” Bachman said. 

     The personal touch and customer service that come with shopping in a small, local business is a welcome change to shopping in a larger chain business. With those two things in mind, Bachman set out to make that dream a reality.

     Originally, the Antiquarium was intended to be a nonprofit organization with a board composed of individuals who understood the challenges that makers face as they attempt to make a living sharing their art with the world. Bachman changed that model slightly to be a commission-based business in which the makers received a ninety percent commission. The purpose of the business was not to generate revenue, but to provide an outlet for the community to experience art in a different way. 

     Fifty-six makers house some of their pieces at the Antiquarium. Those pieces range from handmade cards and pottery to soap and paintings. Some of the art is functional, such as lamps and t-shirts, while other art is intended for decoration.

     “If you’ve set out to create something and call it art, no one should be able to tell you it’s not,” said Leighton Cordell, Bachman’s husband.

     When you are looking for a new piece of art for your dorm room or a unique gift, making the short drive to visit the Antiquarium in Carthage would be a good choice for you.