Business

.BUSINESS. ARGYLE STUDIO

POPUPARGYLE.COM

AMID UNIVERSITIES, medical centers, and chain stores and restaurants, mother and daughter duo Christine and Brigette Bethea brought a refreshing new addition to Oakland’s business district in 2021. Argyle Studio, their pop-up store with items from over 30 local artists and makers, launched in May and provided a source of visibility and income for working artists whose finances took a hit during the pandemic. The shop offers a wide selection of offerings including handmade ceramics, arts and prints, pet items, and fashion and jewelry, and almost 100% of the sales go directly to its vendors. Argyle also makes a point to showcase artists from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Brigette and Christine, who are Black, want the shop to be “multigenerational” and a place where all “races, ethnicities, and cultures” can feel comfortable shopping and showcasing their work. As of July 2021, 50% of Argyle’s vendors identified as BIPOC, and the shop also features work from members of the LGBTQ community.

PITTSBURGH’S PEOPL E OF THE YEAR WINNER

Thank you, Argyle Studios, for making the Pittsburgh Innnovation District more dynamic, accessible, and vibrant. Your commitment to showcasing the work of local creators hasn’t just made our city stronger, but it’s helped the artists who live here as well. Pittsburgh has always been about what’s next. Next is now community-engaged retail, local makers, and highlighting our region’s diverse talent. The Pittsburgh Innovation District applauds Argyle Studio for being at the forefront of this future. #NextHappensHere • www.pittsburgh-id.com