Meet Chastity Polonikas Hollie Johns | Virtue Local Art Market

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chastity Polonikas Hollie Johns and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chastity Polonikas, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Virtue is owned and run by two husband and wife couples; one out of each couple is an artist. For years on end the two that were not artists watched their loved ones struggle to succeed in making a career out of their passion, Unfortunately, most local galleries charge both consignment fees as well as booth rental or hanging fees. This made it nearly impossible for these two local artists to make any profit from their artwork. In an effort to help them and their local artist friends, Virtue Local Art Market came to fruition. The business has grown from two, to 25 to now nearly 65 local artists and crafters.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Virtue Local Art Market is comprised of everything from fine art, to woodworking, metalworking, stained glass, locally made organic body and wellness products, candles, crocheting and lots of jewelry in many different styles. You can also find locally made candy, hot sauces, mustards, teas and coffees. Our artists and crafters range in age from 12 to 80+. Our goal is to be able to offer a little bit of something for everyone.

Virtue has partnered with M.A.D.S. Enterprises (a local non-profit organization supporting underpriveleged youth), as well as various local pet rescues/no-kill shelters.

With the combined experiences of Virtue’s four owners, we are well versed in mechandising, retail sales, customer service and business management. We find that each one of us brings our own different talents to the table, and it seems to be a winning combination.

Our mission is in our name; we stive to be virtuous to one another, our artists and our customers and community. Virtue has become a place to visit where you’ll always find a smiling face and a warm welcome. We have lots of customers that have told us they stop in just to lift their spirits, and we’re more than happy to do that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We often have customers that come in from out of town looking for recommendations on local hotspots, and we’re always happy to point them in the direction of our local small business friends. We currently work with several small businesses for the Susquehanna Holiday Trail, which includes, The Gardener of the Owl Valley, Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market, The Wild Batch Bistro, JillyBeans Sweet Shoppe, The Cycle Works, John Wright Restaurant, Half Nuts Popcorn, Shank’s Mare Outfitters and Flying Fibers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our artisits, crafters, and the local community that has wholeheartedly accepted and supported us for the past two years.

Website: www.virtuelocalartmarket.com

Instagram: @virtuelocalartmarket

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtueLocalArtMarket/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/N6uhX_2pIoI