Meijer’s latest product collection includes a mix of painting and digital art, all designed by three women artists from the Midwest.
The special is a celebration of Women’s History Month. Meijer will donate five percent of the product sales to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign. It helps support initiatives like Go Red for Women – an American Heart Association campaign focused on driving awareness of heart health amongst women.
"As women, we each have our own unique experiences that shape us," said Carla Hendon, Director of Supplier Diversity and Indirect Procurement at Meijer. "While each piece reflects its artist's celebration of her womanhood, we know this collection will speak to women at large as the pieces celebrate the depth and multi-dimensionality of a woman's sense of self."
Abeer Abo-Shihata, Judy Mintze and Misty Russian were selected out of a pool of hundreds, after Meijer put out a call for culturally-inspired art in 2021. Featured pieces include tote bags, key rings and stationary, among other items.
Hilliard, Ohio-based artist Abeer Abo-Shihata purposefully employs a "semi-abstract" style in her paintings to give space for the viewer to apply their own unique interpretation. Abo-Shihata, who first began painting more than 15 years ago while living in the Middle East, sees art as a form of communication and means of connection with other people. She said seeing her art on Meijer shelves is exciting because it allows her to connect with hundreds of thousands of people who may not have otherwise seen her work.
"This is an incredible opportunity to reach people who don't frequent art galleries," Abo-Shihata said. "Art should be for everyone."
Misty Gunter Russian from Eaton Rapids, Mich. finds inspiration in the diversity of beauty found in nature.
"Flowers are all different, but all equally beautiful and, in my head, I wanted to show that different is beautiful and diversity is beautiful," said Russian, who considers herself an "artist by night" – fitting in time for her art in the evenings after her day job in finance administration and between caring for her children alongside her husband. "I hope that people who see my art recognize that regular people can do big things. I hope it inspires some other women to create."
Fishers, Ind. artist Judy Mintze features a hat as a key element of her piece's composition to symbolize the many roles and responsibilities women carry throughout their lives. In addition to being excited to share her art on such a large platform, the self-taught artist said this collection's philanthropic component made it especially important to her.
"It's a great opportunity to have my art exposed to the world, but on a personal note, I'm really happy that a portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association," said Mintze, who lost her sister to heart disease last year.
On the heels of its Black History Month collection, Meijer said this is the second of five local artist showcases it will unveil this year. Others will be tied to Pride Month and Hispanic Heritage month.
The limited edition Women’s History Month products are available in all Meijer supercenters until supplies last through April 1.