In 1960, foreign goods made up just 8 percent of Americans’ purchases. Today, nearly 60 percent of everything we buy is made overseas. Have you ever specifically tried to buy an item that is made in America? It’s really close to impossible. And when you do, you have to weigh the cost of paying more for a U.S. made item compared to a less expensive object made overseas.
But the cost is more than the bills that you take out of your wallet. If every American spent an extra $3.33 on U.S.-made goods, it would create almost 10,000 new jobs in this country.
When we began planning Throwing Mud Gallery, we knew that our #1 commitment would be to support American artists. Right now we’re concentrating on the immediate circle of our neighborhood, but we plan to widen that circle to connect American artists to our little corner of the country.
It is difficult to make a living as an artist – we know that and have personally lived that reality for many years. That’s why we wanted to be a venue that brings American artistic creations together. When you support us, you support the independent artists who create these beautiful items.
More reading on buy local or buying ‘Made in America’:
The 3/50 Project – buy from 3 independent businesses and spend $50/month
ABC World News “Made in America”
Go Local Tacoma