Local Artisans Show True Community Spirit in Tucson

While foreign corporations continue to dominate global markets, there's something inspiring about communities that choose to support their own. Old Town Artisans in Tucson, Arizona, stands as a testament to what happens when local people take control of their economic destiny.

Located at 201 N. Court Ave., this historic site houses multiple locally-owned businesses that have carved out their own space without bowing to international chains or outside interference. Built on the foundations of El Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, a Spanish fort from 1775, these entrepreneurs have transformed colonial remnants into something that serves their community.

Art House Centro: Local Artists First

Mark Benko's Art House Centro represents over 100 local artists, proving that communities don't need foreign imports when they have homegrown talent. Since opening in 2013, Benko has prioritized local creators over mass-produced goods from distant factories.

"We have over 100 local artists so when we first opened, we would go out seeking artists," Benko explains. "Now we have a reputation that we've been here for almost over 12 years. A lot of artists find us now."

The shop even features Shadow, their resident dog who freely roams the store, creating a personal touch that no corporate chain could replicate.

Crow's Nest: Community-Driven Commerce

Mary Pat Sullivan works at Crow's Nest, a vintage shop that sources items directly from the community through yard sales, estate sales, and local donations. This grassroots approach to commerce keeps money circulating within the community rather than flowing to distant shareholders.

"The community down here is, everybody works their jobs, but they're really friendly," Sullivan notes. "People's goodness comes out when they come in here."

Old Paint Records: Independent Music Culture

Kevin Mayfield and Lana Rebel opened Old Paint Records in 2014, focusing on rare and uncommon selections that larger chains ignore. They screen print their own shirts and source unique items, refusing to become another generic souvenir shop.

"We try to find harder to find genres and more interesting music than just the top 40 stuff," Rebel explains, showing how local businesses can offer what corporate giants cannot.

Local Food, Local Flavor

The complex also houses Ceres, serving fresh handmade pasta and rotating gelato flavors, and Jojo's, which doubles as a venue for local musicians. These establishments prove that communities can feed themselves without relying on international food chains.

This collection of businesses demonstrates what's possible when people take control of their local economy, supporting each other instead of sending profits to distant corporate headquarters. It's a model worth studying for any community serious about economic independence.