Visual Art Entrepreneurship Services
Seasonal Storefront Designs With Shawna Lou Creative
this Chippewa Valley artist shares locals' stories through window displays, large-scale murals and more
Whether seen in a metropolitan department store or a cozy mom-and-pop shop, festive window displays seem to hold a magical charm for everyone – from wide-eyed kids to nostalgic adults.
Shawna Stanley of Shawna Lou Creative brings that art form to life in the Chippewa Valley, one brushstroke at a time.
Creative impulses have guided Shawna through life since early childhood, she said. Her grandmother was a self-described “maker of all things” who sold handmade clothes, cakes and goods at local art markets. Shawna's mom followed suit as she forged her own path as a self-taught designer.
“Watching both of them, I found my own spark,” Shawna shared online. “Today, I still design, but I’ve also grown into a multi-passionate artist.”
Shawna would be the first to admit her passions span beyond the custom window displays she creates for clients; large-scale murals and hand-lettered ornaments fill her portfolio. Volume One's Chalkfest event and sketchbook drawings paved the way for her solo business venture.
“Having a brush in my hand is just the best feeling,” Shawna said. “I’ve really found that people love seeing (the process) and it’s fun to share that joy with other people.”
It’s these connections with her community – which has observed her artistic process live – that continue to affirm her efforts to support local businesses throughout the Chippewa Valley and nationwide.
In the past year, Shawna has completed 10 custom mural installations and 17 window paintings for clients across the Chippewa Valley. In the near future, Shawna’s paints will spill across state lines to neighboring Minnesota for one of her largest projects to date.
Some locals, she said, lean toward structured concepts for their projects – while others step back to let her artistic intuition roam freely.
While dozens of regional businesses turning to her for their window art – ranging from coffee shops and candy stores to corporate logos and branding – year-round, it's at this time of year her work evokes waves of nostalgia.
“Nostalgia hits me when I’m lettering on ornaments, or I’ve been buying some blank watercolor cards and painting on those,” Shawna reflected. “Sending people artwork that is just for them … means a lot to me and it just brings me so much joy in addition to the public-facing stuff.”
Outside of seasonal artwork and rotating window displays, Shawna is deeply committed to uplifting fellow creatives, she said – especially when they're in the family. This includes collaborations with her sister and fellow muralist, Jenna Wood of Wood Creative LLC. (Volume One recently wrote about Jenna's two new murals on Water Street.)
Together, the duo has brought large-scale, custom pieces to life, aiming to transform walls throughout the region with vibrant color.
“Being in that presence of other artists and people that support (visual art) has really given me the courage to be able to share (my) process and have more confidence as an artist,” Shawna said.
So, the next time you spot an eye-catching, painted window display around the Chippewa Valley, take a closer look to see if it’s the work of Shawna Lou Creative. Better yet, reach out to learn just how Shawna can bring your unique style and vision to life through two-dimensional art forms.
Learn more about Shawna Lou Creative and her customizable art services online at shawnaloucreative.com. See her murals and window paintings processes (and the complete works) via social media (@shawnaloucreative).
