In a town where local art isn’t heavily advertised, Donna’s has always centered themselves in the art scene of Bowling Green as much as they can, Owner Aaron Anderson said.

After a recent expansion this past July, the bar continues to lift up local artists in the Bowling Green area. 

Donna’s held its first of four seasonal maker’s markets on Sunday. The market hosted 12 local artists and vendors that sold handmade art such as digital art prints, wood-engraved figures, custom jewelry and vintage clothing. The markets are open to all ages. 

The bar served hot chocolate, coffee and its usual drink menu. Anderson said the bar has organized the maker’s markets since 2021 and intends to continue the tradition in a small town where local art is harder to find. He said the lack of space to share local art “makes it more difficult to have that community in Bowling Green.”

“There’s a lot of really good artists, a lot of hidden gem artists,” Anderson said. “It’s just harder to find events in Bowling Green that host art, specifically local art.” 

Returning artists from past maker’s markets, as well as artists new to the market, shared and sold their art to the community all afternoon. This past July, Donna’s underwent a significant renovation, adding a new lounge and bar. With recent expansions to the building, Donna’s booked more artists than in previous years. 

One of the artists featured in this year’s winter market was Derek Hendricks, a wood carver based in Bowling Green. Hendricks sold a variety of wooden art pieces, including engraved insect figures and engraved wooden planks designed after classic Picasso paintings, as well as original designs. 

“I don’t know anyone else in Bowling Green that does this,” Hendricks said. 

Hendricks said he’s been creating and selling wood-carved pieces for three years. He said his inspiration comes from his father, who taught him about the many things you can create with wood. 

Atom Compton, a tattoo artist at Skull and Eagle Tattoo in Bowling Green, sold tattoo design prints at the market. Compton’s designs included classic cartoon characters like Snoopy, Felix the Cat and the villains from “The Powerpuff Girls.” 

Setting up shop on a billiards table, WKU senior Maria Carmichael sold art prints and custom match boxes designed after popular cigarette brands. Carmichael has been creating art her whole life and was encouraged to keep creating by her parents, who are both artists. Carmichael is drawn to surreal imagery as well as vibrant colors. 

“The things that appear dark are what attract people most,” Carmichael said, “I like when people find their own meaning in it.”

Donna’s staff intends to keep supporting local art in Bowling Green through their seasonal makers markets as well as inviting local bands to perform at the bar throughout the week. 

“I love music, I love art, I want to support it in town as much as I possibly can,” Anderson said. “We deserve that as a community.”