Artists are fair and festival staples. From paintings-to-wind chimes-to-blown glass sculptures, you can find almost anything at a local festival. If you’re lucky, you might even find Sarah Bowen and her tiny creations. Sarah is the artist and owner of Tiny Things by Bowen. She is also a Fellow Okie!
What’s your name?
Sarah Bowen
What is the name of your company and is it based in Oklahoma?
What city in Oklahoma do you call home?
Tulsa!
What’s your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
I love the friendliness of strangers…I believe they call it Midwestern charm. I also love the number of people interested in supporting the arts, and the conversations I have about our local community and the positive changes taking place to support art and culture.
Compared to other places you’ve traveled, what stands out most about Oklahoma?
The laid back atmosphere! Not quite so far as New Orleans, as we still keep time, but it is a very comfortable and friendly place. I feel a great freedom to express my art and communicate my goals to the community without fear of a negative response. I feel people give themselves the time to enjoy art and culture, especially as it becomes more prominent in our area. And again of course, the friendliness of strangers! I want to live in a place where it’s not weird to say “Hey!” and smile at someone you don’t know, and often receiving the same in return.
Tell me a little bit about your company.
Tiny Things by Bowen started out as my summer job during my off time as a sign language interpreter for Tulsa Public Schools. For four years it was strictly me making and selling my own art made from polymer clay. However, about one year ago, I discovered my love of teaching and sharing the medium with everyone. So Tiny Things has evolved in a natural way that I am so grateful for. It is now my full time job, and I teach and sell art in a variety of places.
I now bring my art to others in community spaces such as libraries, restaurants, and bars; places where people already go, with a goal of bringing creativity to everyday locations and situations. I encourage everyone to find the artists in themselves…you’re not an artist you say? Here, have some clay, see what happens. Nearly 100% of the time people impress themselves and leave with something they can be proud of. I make, and encourage others to make, functional art like magnets and personal accessories so that their creations can serve a purpose and be seen.
I also offer private parties for adults, kids, and companies. Again with the idea of incorporating art into as many spaces as possible.
I still make and sell my own art at local and regional events such as the Blue Dome Arts Festival (my favorite), comic conventions, punk rock flea markets, and site-specific art fairs like Kendall Whittier’s Mercado, and OKC’s LIVE on the Plaza. I travel to Northwest Arkansas fairly regularly, and hope to attend some events in Kansas City and Texas in the future.
What are your goals for the company?
My goals for Tiny Things include becoming a well known party service around town, developing my own artistic style in making some larger pieces and exhibiting in local galleries, receiving art grants that would allow me to offer free community workshops in unserved areas, helping to develop diversity and unity within the local art community through Tiny Things’ involvement in 918Makers, and to bring art to as many people as possible.
How can others help you achieve your goals?
Are you a parent? Schedule a birthday party or bring your kiddos to my all-ages workshops!
Are you a teacher? Request Tiny Things through the Artists in the Schools program, I’ll come be a guest artist in your classroom!
Are you an artist? Come to my workshops, join 918Makers, share your resources!
Do you have a fridge? Find me at a local event and purchase some of my whimsical magnets!
Do you use social media? Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @tinythingsbybowen
Do you have friends? Tell them about Tiny Things by Bowen! Bring them to a craft night! Buy them a Tulsa-themed gift from my booth
Want to buy something now? Tiny Things are in the Soul City gift shop and the Made Indie Emporium downtown! I also list unique items on my website shop. Currently listed are cute little paw print magnets that help fund the spaying and neutering of area strays!
How can people contact you?
www.tinythingsbybowen.com
tinythingsbybowen@gmail.com
facebook & instagram @tinythingsbybowen; phone: 918-973-4089
I believe everyone has artistic ability in them. Maybe painting murals, photography, playing an instrument, or drawing aren’t for you. However, sculpting may be the thing that fits. If you’re interested in Tiny Things by Bowen, reach out and schedule a class. Or show your support by purchasing an item from her shop. Don’t forget to follow Sarah on social media!
ColorMyFootsteps 
Leave a Reply