In Episode 24 of Inside the Frame, we sit down with Maryann Gibbons, the visionary founder of Arty Pants Magazine. Maryann’s journey is a captivating tale of blending her love for design, community, and creativity into a vibrant publication that champions artists and inspires readers to explore their own creative potential.

From Plants to Pages

Before Arty Pants Magazine, Maryann operated a brick-and-mortar shop called Plants and Ponytails in Hanover, Massachusetts. The shop became a hub for creativity and community, hosting unique events like plant-cutting exchanges where participants shared pieces of meaningful plants to grow anew. Though the store eventually closed, its legacy of fostering connections planted the seed for Arty Pants.

In her words: “The checkout counter was a place where people shared the seeds of their dreams,” and those dreams are now brought to life within the magazine’s pages.

Arty Pants: A Bright Yellow Idea

The inspiration for Arty Pants Magazine struck Maryann during her daily commute in bustling Cambridge. She noticed the monotony of endless scrolling on phones and envisioned a bright, tactile escape for art lovers and creators. The name “Arty Pants” captures the playful, inclusive nature of the magazine, encouraging everyone to “put on their Arty Pants” and join the creative movement.

The first issue, featuring a bold yellow cover, was launched as a grassroots project. Designed to be a collector’s item, the magazine’s aesthetic has evolved over time. With each issue, Maryann strives to create a keepsake-quality publication that readers return to for inspiration.

A Platform for Artists

Arty Pants serves as both a showcase for emerging and established artists and a source of motivation for readers. The magazine’s first issue, themed “Respond to Your Calling,” featured works from local artists that highlighted their unique voices. The second issue, “Summer Places,” captured the essence of summer through various mediums, from paintings and photographs to poetry and short stories.

Now accepting submissions for Issue 3, themed “Labyrinth,” Maryann dives into the concept of life’s twists and turns—a metaphor for personal transformation and renewal. She invites artists to interpret the theme in any medium, encouraging them not to overthink but to create from the heart.

Community and Collaboration

Maryann emphasizes the importance of community in the art world. Through events like speed networking for artists and collaborative workshops, she fosters connections that transcend the solitary nature of artmaking. As she notes: “A lot of artists create in solitude, but connecting with others can fuel their creativity and validate their work.”

She’s also a strong advocate for artist empowerment, offering resources for networking, professional headshots, and insights into marketing and selling their work—a challenge many artists face.

Crafting a Collector’s Item

Arty Pants Magazine isn’t just a publication; it’s a piece of art in itself. With high-quality printing by Webster Printing in Hanson, Massachusetts, the magazine is designed to be cherished. Maryann’s goal is to create something that feels substantial and timeless—a counterpoint to fleeting digital media.

Ads in the magazine are carefully curated to align with its artistic ethos, ensuring they add value rather than distract from the content. The result is a cohesive, visually stunning publication that celebrates art and creativity.

Get Involved

• Submissions: Artists of all levels are invited to submit their work for Issue 3 until December 31, 2024. The theme is “Labyrinth.” Visit artypantsmagazine.com for details.
• Sponsorships: Arty Pants offers tailored ad opportunities for businesses looking to connect with the artistic community. Maryann and her team work closely with sponsors to create ads that resonate with readers.
• Pick Up a Copy: Past issues of Arty Pants Magazine are available at select local retailers, including Frame Center. The team is also working to expand distribution across New England.

Looking Ahead

With a growing base of contributors and readers, Maryann is excited to see where Arty Pants goes next. Whether through upcoming events, artist features, or new creative experiments, her mission remains clear: to ignite creativity in readers and amplify the voices of artists.

Final Thoughts This episode of Inside the Frame showcases Maryann Gibbons’ passion for art, community, and innovation. Her work reminds us that creativity isn’t confined to galleries or studios—it’s for everyone willing to put on their “Arty Pants” and embrace the journey.

To support or learn more about Arty Pants Magazine, visit artypantsmagazine.com.