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Andrew & Sarah (The McWilsons)

@handinhandcreative

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creative placemaking & community connection
📍rooted in Elkin, NC after 5 years on wheels 🚐
🐿 our small town grocery @squirrelcrossingelkin

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kicking off the cozy fall vibes over here @squirrelcrossingelkin. the store is open!!!! check out their page for more details and updates.

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a collection of recent memories: some things captured complete, some things captured in progress. I guess you will just have to check out this rad store soon 🤎. so proud of these friends of mine. Oct hours Thurs-Sat (8am-8pm(ish)) Sun (11am-7pm(ish)).

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How it started…
versus how it’s transformed.

“Started at the bottom now we’re here.”
How can that not be playing on repeat in our heads?

But really, so much has gone into creating this space. It helps us to go back to the visuals of where things started last summer — all the way down in the dirt — to remember just how far we’ve come.

We started calling ourselves “creative place-makers” during our work as public artists @handinhandcreative. And this journey is just an extension of that. On a different kind of canvas. The biggest mural we’ve ever done (if you will).

This summer we’ve gotten to see glimpses of what’s to come... moments of having you in the space with us. So we know how good it feels! And it’s these glimpses that have kept us going. (Really).

And now, we’re here! Putting on the finishing touches so we can bring you in alongside us as we start a new season together, at @squirrelcrossingelkin

Are you ready? Cause we (just about) are!
(Hold tight).*

*The biggest thing we’ve learned this last year is how to hold it all looser. More on that another time. For now, we’re just grateful we’re here.

Oh yeah… and all good things take time.

-Your Main Street McWilsons 🐿️

#brickandmortar #community #mainstreetusa

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Meet the MCWILSONS
(Yer Founding Squirrel Fam 🐿️)

ANDY is a rootin-tootin, problem solvin’ wood workin’ conceptualizing kind of human who is responsible for saying LET’S GOOOO! and keeping things moving forward. He can find solutions to just about everything, and isn’t afraid to commit to the process to get there. His gift is visualizing and painting it out, whether on canvas or in his mind. He gets us from point A to point B. He fixes our breaks. He mends our fences. He believes in accessibility (of art, of food, you name it). He was born to build. And good thing since that’s what he’s been leading the charge on here this past year.

If he’s not at the store you can catch him on drums with @lukemearsband & at Country Blues jam every second TH of the month at our neighbor’s house @reevestheater

SARAH is a rootin’ tootin’ detail-oriented idea (whoa!)man who likes to believe the impossible, then convinces herself she can do it. Back in the day she got a business degree with the thought she might open up a veg-friendly community space one day (and look Ma! here we are). She’s learned to do just about everything to have the life she has. Connection is what she’s made for. Girl can talk! And write ;). She’s mapped out the route to get us here on this road less traveled. She roots for us and picks us up where we’re down. She’s the thread that mends our seams when they start to come unraveled.

If she’s not at the store you can find her at @yoga_om_ teaching an All Level Flow yoga class every WED night at 6:30.

COPPER is a rootin’ tootin’ red Dobie-man turned Shop Dog. Affectionately known as Copper Bopper, or “Cop Bop” for short, this guy lives to greet you. When we adopted him we were told he was a little bit everybody’s dog. And now we know exactly what that means. He truly is a big circle guy! He loves everyone, almost as much as he loves soft things. He takes the invitation “lean on me” very seriously. He’s responsible for ushering us into this season and honestly, he is just the best.

If he’s not at the store you can catch him cruising main, or walking up the steps to get his treat fix from @melissasnaturalpettreats

#squirrelfamily

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I’ve been pulling weeds, and staples, and myself onto glitter-faced runs. making space for the imperfect.

“I have so much to learn from this friend of mine.”

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💚💚💚Elkin, NC 💚💚💚

The sweetest small town with some of our favorites, @sarahmcwilson @handinhandcreative and their new venture @squirrelcrossingelkin

We explored, hiked, were greeted by everyone (who all knew Sarah & Andrew), enjoyed their air bnb space together with Copper the dog, slid down rocks in the swimming hole, and unfortunately had to work together when Nate took a sacrificial tumble to spare Avett a worse fate.

Shout out to @sarahmcwilson for keeping the kids cool in the truck while we had to drive to an ER and having a fun afternoon watching them as we waited there.

Never a dull moment on this trip.

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Today, we honor the life, courage and legacy of Sarah Mae Flemming. ❤️

As South Carolina recognizes Sarah Mae Flemming Day statewide, we remember a woman whose bravery helped pave the way for justice and equality. Her story continues to inspire generations to stand firm in faith, courage and conviction.

“Let us not become weary in doing good…” — Galatians 6:9

Your legacy lives on, Sarah Mae Flemming.

#SarahMaeFlemmingDay #LegacyOfCourage #SouthCarolinaHistory #FaithAndStrength

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Copper and his cuz, Izzy. All he’s ever wanted.

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👋 Hello out there! We’ve been quietly burrowing a bit, and are beginning to surface. It sure feels good to be thawing out, doesn’t it?

This season has shown us a lot — including what a gift it’ll be next winter for us to have everything we need, right downstairs. And for you to burrow in with us.

•••

We’re now just a month out from the Spring equinox — the official start of a new season and the marker of our 10 year marriage-aversary. And we’re hoping not too far beyond that…our store opening. (We can’t wait and we’re working our way there…we promise).

As the rising temps in recent days have meant doors open downstairs while working, we’ve been watching passerbys and welcoming friendly pop-ins. And it’s giving us a taste of what’s to come — screen doors offering a sense of warmth and a cool breeze blowing in. What a feeling! (What a feeling).

As we’re rollin’ some fresh paint on our walls, we’ve also been given another reminder. It’s always been hard to put into words how our mural paintings are different. Why they take longer sometimes. Why we’ve never treated them as “ pictures on a wall.”

We’ve always been after something different. And this creative venture is no different.

We chose something with a lot of moving pieces and parts, because that is the Sarah and Andrew way — but the gift is getting to arrange these pieces in a way that only we can.

Throughout the process we continue to connect with so many people who shape the journey and become a part of the finished piece.

This whole project isn’t just a storefront for us — we’re building something we believe in. And we are reminded daily that it’s what matters most to us in this world — facilitating moments of human connection — hand in hand.

It’s an extension of every part of our story. And we can’t wait to bring you in soon to write the next chapter with us.

Until then, let us know what you’re most looking forward to with Squirrel Crossing. And if you see our doors open, please stick your head in and say hello.

- The McWilsons 🐿️
(Sarah, Andy, & Copper)

[Not AI. Arrangement of words by Sarah.]

#mainstreetusa #community #smalltown #elkinnc #placemaking

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Two years ago during Light Up Night, we first stepped inside what is now our building. And we had ourselves a glimpse of what could be. Last Friday night, we got to open our doors and invite y’all in for a teaser of what’s to come. A place to gather, a place to see each other. Yeah, maybe we wanted you to come stand on our new (to us) floors that speak of the past, while we speak of the future. “What’s this place gonna be?” Staples and snacks and grab-n-go grub. A healthy fix for the Main Street crowd and surrounding community. A place to know both the “passing throughs” and your neighbors, artfully disguised as a downtown bodega. We got some urns and put together our renditions of hot chocolate and apple cider. You sipped ‘til the urns got tipsy. Thank you for being here. For stopping by and sharing your warmth. Lending an ear to the local old-school talents of Luke ‘n Bert (+ Andy). A festive treat for all.

We felt the warm embrace of this community we love. And you gave us another glimpse…This time, of our dream becoming our reality. We’ll be continuing our work to be here for you by the Spring. In the meantime, go on and visit www.squirrelcrossing.com to support us by taking our survey or making a donation.

And be sure to follow along with @squirrelcrossingelkin if you’re not already.

-Sar & Andy (The McWilsons)

#squirrelcrossingelkin #elkinnc #mainstreet #exploreelkin #lightupelkin #smalltownusa #northcarolina #ncfoothills #discovernc #yadkinvalley #community

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Something you need to know about us: we care a lot about “the feeling.” The ones that inspire, connect to nostalgia, give a sense of welcome, and give off warmth. You could say we love the feeling as much as Sarah likes zinc sunscreen on my face on a sunny day. It’s these feelings that have motivated and enriched our artwork over the years. They connect us to the heart. So, it’s no surprise we aim to bring this heart into our downtown shop from the very first moment you walk in the door. And we know, we know…this is just a floor, but it was important for us to lay the foundation the Sarah and Andrew way. It supports every step we take in this space. I mean, literally. -A

Just curious here… What are some things in your life that may be seemingly simple and mundane that connect you to this heart feeling we’re talking about? We’d love to know what they are. Write yours in the comments.

#smalltownamerica #mainstreet #elkinnc #momandpopshop #diy #reclaimedwood #buildout #exploreelkin #community #rusticcharm #brickandmortar #imperfection

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