NEWSLETTER 52
THIS IS OUR NEWSLETTER
JOURNEYING
To journey: defined by the dictionary as simply the act of traveling from one place to another. This definition isn’t misleading, but it doesn’t quite encapsulate all that journeying entails. You never end a journey completely the same as you were when you began it. The act of traveling implies that you saw something new, experienced something you hadn’t before, met new people, reached out yourself, or maybe even saw things from a new perspective. It’s this connection, this aspect of community and trading, that we focus on today.
Much of what we share with you in the following paragraphs involves getting out of the studio and taking a journey elsewhere- just another spot in town, or even somewhere out of state. But aside from all that we tell you about what we did in our travels, know that we have an appreciation for all that traveling brings us, too.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to, and what lies ahead.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | 09.04.25
MARION UTILITIES
Marion Utilities has served the community since 1877. More than just a utilities company, they are neighbors, friends, and partners in our community. We had the privilege of redesigning and redeveloping all the top-level pages of their website into an intuitive virtual experience. In addition to website building, we also had the opportunity to work closely with in-house professionals at Marion Utilities to assist with the accessibility of their robust library of public information and customer service documentation. We wanted this platform to reflect the friendly, informative, and useful nature of Marion Utilities exceptional approach to serving the Marion community. Stop by, take a look around, and remember to thank your local utility provider.
OPTIN | 08.06.25
ALABAMA OPTIN TRIP
Last month Willie and Wendy loaded up 300 freshly printed Story Boxes and headed south to Scottsboro, Alabama. What might have looked like a delivery run was, in truth, a road trip full of reflection, laughter, and purpose.
When we pulled up and unloaded those stacks of Story Boxes with their team of volunteers, it didn’t feel like dropping off “client work.” It felt like bringing a gift to friends. These boxes carry more than stories. They carry trust, creativity, and connection.
Before we hit the road back to Marion, we shared an evening of hospitality with Brian and Micaiah. They welcomed us into Micaiah’s parents home and gathered their family around a spread of sushi that was as generous as it was delicious. That meal wasn’t just dinner—it was a table full of laughter, belonging, and the kind of friendship that fuels the work we do.
We came back to Marion with lighter hands but fuller hearts—reminded once again that our work means something more when it’s done in friendship.
MDC EVENTS | 08.29.25
TASTE OF MARION
Marion Design Co. had the joy of participating in this year’s Taste of Marion, an indoor “street fair” hosted at the IWU Recreation Center. The event brought together local businesses, churches, and nonprofit organizations, giving students a chance to discover all that Marion has to offer. Our team loved connecting with students, sharing about the work we do, and introducing them to creative opportunities right here in the community. Beyond showcasing our design work, it was a chance to listen, engage, and build new relationships. We left feeling energized by the conversations and inspired by the excitement students brought to the event. Experiences like this remind us why we love being part of Marion’s story.
KAC GALLERY | 09.19.2025
MAC GALA: PURPLE HAZE
Last year, the Kennedy Art Center hosted the Marion Art Commission’s first annual MAC Gala: an elevated evening of art and elegance. We saw what was our biggest crowd yet at the time, and shared the night with a swath of amazing guests who supported our local artists by purchasing work and giving back to the Marion Arts Commission grant funds at the same time. We raised an amazing near $25K!
Featuring both a live and silent art auction, catering by the Tomahawk, a live painting done by America Carrillo, and more, we ask you to join us for the next iteration: Purple Haze. Dress up in hues of purple and celebrate with us September 19th, 2025 at the Kennedy Art Center from 7 pm - 9 pm. Tickets are $50 when purchased online through September 15th, $60 at the door. Register now below!
COMMUNITY | 10.18.2025
AMPLIFY: MARION
Amplify Marion is a vibrant, free two-day music festival lighting up Matter Park in Marion, Indiana on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19, 2025. Expect two full days of live performances—from local favorites to regional standouts—alongside delicious food trucks, interactive activities, and a family-friendly atmosphere that’s all about community and connection. Saturday’s lineup kicks off at 12:00 PM (noon) and runs through the evening, while Sunday’s schedule starts at 10:00 AM and wraps up around 7:30 PM.
Marion Design Co. is proud to partner with the Marion Arts Commission to create welcoming green rooms for the talented musicians performing at the Amplify Marion festival. Just as the stage celebrates music, these behind-the-scenes spaces will celebrate hospitality—designed with comfort, creativity, and care in mind. From thoughtful details to intentional design touches, our goal is to ensure artists feel valued and inspired as they prepare to share their music with the community.
MDC STORE | 09.25.2025
MDC STORE ON THE MOVE
Over the past year or so, the Marion Design Co. team has been working to expand and elevate our store. We’ve experimented with new inventory and vendors, doubled the size of our in-store physical space, put more time into developing strategies and sales, and overall turned it from one countertop and a few shelves to an intriguing shop full of art, design, comfort, and wonders. If you haven’t been in recently, we highly encourage you to stop in and say hello! We have everything from home goods, to jewelry, to cards, games, bags, stationery, journals, books, and more.
While we expand our inventory, we also hope to expand our reach. We had a great time at the Chic Mercantile market back in June, and would love the opportunity to vend at other local markets and fairs where possible. Know somewhere that might be a good fit? Please let us know! We’d love the opportunity to bring our mobile store somewhere new. Contact us at hello@mariondesign.co.
GOT AN IDEA? CONNECT WITH US!
If you’ve been carrying around an idea—big or small—and you’re wondering what it might look like brought to life through design, we’d love to hear about it. We believe design is about bringing the soul of your vision to the surface and shaping it into something that moves people. Whether you’re at the spark stage or halfway there, our process is built to listen deeply, uncover what matters most, and accelerate your idea into something tangible, meaningful, and ready to make an impact. Let’s start the conversation. Contact us at hello@mariondesign.co!
