Small Business Saturday: Local Artist Explores New Dimensions

Though setting up a small art shop in Occoquan can be a tricky proposition, artist Gregory Titchenell's layered dot art has been increasingly popular locally. Titchenell paints layered dots of acrylic paint over various sculpted pieces, leaving raised designs on the surface.

"You can feel the dimensions," employee Theresa Glass said, brushing her hand across one of the pieces. "It started out as just a hobby, and he's only now getting out to do more of it and get it noticed." 

Titchenell and co-owner Ed Mullen run Art Den & Gifts on Mill Street, which has been open since June 1. 

"It's a little bit quiet right now. Summer was pretty good," Glass said. "It hasn't been bad. Each month it got better and better."

The shop has an eclectic variety of art and gifts, including jewelry, clothing, stuffed animals, Beanie Babies, dolls, collector's plates, and the featured layered dot artwork in the front room.

"A lot of people are talking about coming back for the holidays," Glass said. "We have a lot of little stuff for Christmas gifts." 

Art Den & Gifts is participating in both the upcoming Holiday Open House and Small Business Saturday, and will have a sale on Small Business Saturday, though Glass said the owners have not yet determined what kind of sale they will have.

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 30 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. 

To learn more about Art Den & Gifts and Titchenell's art, visit www.shopgotdot.com.