#USA #Los Angeles #Local Artists #Museum Store Sunday #Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén's Meaningful Holiday Shopping

As the festive season approaches, actor Harvey Guillén, best recognized for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the acclaimed FX series What We Do in the Shadows, demonstrates how holiday shopping can support local communities. On November 30, he participated in Museum Store Sunday, an event designed to encourage shoppers to purchase unique gifts from over 2,300 museum stores worldwide.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Guillén visited The Library Store at the historic Central Library to kick off his shopping spree. "As an artist myself, it feels good to know our purchases support local creators while directly funding each museum's exhibitions and community programs," he shared. This sentiment resonates deeply as many art and culture enthusiasts prioritize shopping at places that sustain local talent.

Guillén's shopping list included several locally-made items, such as Trejo’s Hot Sauce Variety Pack and a Reading Brings Us Together t-shirt. The actor, a self-proclaimed museum aficionado, noted how he and his sister make it a point to visit local museums when they travel, further expanding their appreciation of different cultures through art.

The Significance of Museum Store Sunday

Launched in 2017 by the Museum Store Association (MSA), Museum Store Sunday aims to create an enriching shopping experience that underscores the importance of supporting cultural institutions. Taking place annually on the Sunday after Black Friday, this event promotes purpose-driven shopping, where every purchase directly benefits museums and their community programs.

Moreover, purchasers can expect an array of artisan-crafted items sold exclusively within these stores. Items range from unique books and decor to gourmet food products and children’s toys, all made by local artisans.

Christine Romero, Director of Retail Services at The Library Store, explained the ethos behind their offerings. “We collaborate with local makers to create exclusive merchandise,” she stated, highlighting a unique partnership with local artist Gajin Fujita that resulted in a limited-edition library card featuring his artwork.

Special Promotions and Discounts

This year, participating stores are offering a variety of promotions to entice shoppers. At The Library Store, customers can enjoy a 15% discount on purchases and receive a free tote bag with any purchase of $100 or more (while supplies last). Additionally, other museum stores across the nation are providing special discounts, such as a 30% discount at the Mint Museum Store in Charlotte, NC, and a 25% discount at the Cummer Museum Shop in Jacksonville, FL.

With these incentives, shoppers are encouraged to discover exclusive gifts that evoke fond memories of their visited places, all while supporting the art community.

Finding Local Museum Stores

For those interested in participating in Museum Store Sunday, a comprehensive list of locations can be found at museumstoresunday.org/find-a-store. Whether you're looking for artistic souvenirs or unique gifts that tell a story, exploring local museum stores can make holiday shopping both enjoyable and meaningful.

Join the Movement

This holiday season, take a cue from Harvey Guillén and shop with purpose. By choosing to purchase from museum stores, you not only find extraordinary gifts but also contribute to the vitality of the arts in your community—a gift that truly keeps on giving.

For more information on how the Museum Store Association is supporting the retail industry within non-profit cultural institutions, visit their website at museumstoreassociation.org.