Bringing American art, accessories to Rush County

Dawn Moran is the driving force behind American Wildwood

Kevin L. Green

Dawn Moran is a Rush County native, artisan and businesswoman.

She opened her dream business — American Wildwood — May 15, 2009 at 5252 N 150 E, Rushville.

“We opened our doors to the public in Rush County in May of this year, but this is something I have envisioned for almost 10 years,” the 51-year-old artisan said.

A shop and gallery are located adjacent to a working studio. Both are located next to the home she shares with her husband.

Moran said that American Wildwood is a truly unique shop dedicated to promoting true full-time Indiana artists and crafts people.

In addition, the shop offers handcrafted gifts and accessories from small cottage companies located all over the US.

“A small portion of our gallery also is dedicated to my husband Craig's work and craft — we are both registered Indiana artisans,” she added.

Featured artists hail from Bloomington, Bloomfield, Nashville, Columbus, Greensburg, Zionsville, Indianapolis, Greenfield and Rushville.

Others are located in Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Ohio, Colorado and Illinois.

Seasonal guest artists are featured as well.

The shop’s inventory includes a myriad of products.

Gifts and accessories available at American Wildwood include hand-forged metal wine racks, gardenware, crosses, fused glass jewelry and vintage inspired jewelry, gourd art, mobiles, hand-turned wood bowls, wine bottle stoppers, traditional and contemporary paintings and photography and mixed media greeting cards, all-natural soaps, lotions, home fragrances, textile wares including pillows, pinkeeps, hats scarves, holiday stocking, purses, exclusive line of handcrafted dog collars, leashes, dog beds along with all-natural doggie treats.

“It’s just a lot of fun, whimsical, funky, charming gifts and accessories,” Moran said. “Our furnishings and accessories are made start-to-finish in our studio here in Rush County.”

The business is truly a family owned and operated undertaking featuring husband and wife artisan team Dawn Moran and Craig Trent, Dawn’s brother, Dave Moran (when he isn't involved with soccer and his own business) and Dawn’s parents, who lend a hand from time to time.

Dawn said she was inspired to open American Wildwood, at least in part, after she met assorted artisans at various venues.

“When we first started our hickory furniture business full-time, we participated in numerous art festivals and shows across the Midwest. Over the course of time, we met and became friends with many wonderful artists and craftsmen — individuals whose work we so loved and admired,” she said.

“My passion has always been to promote and showcase the arts. Relocating to the area and being more accessible to civilization — previously, we truly lived in ‘the sticks’ outside of Bloomington — has enabled me to have a marketplace to introduce and highlight full-time Indiana artists and, hopefully, undiscovered budding artisans and American craftsmen and women with original creations and quality gifts from small American cottage businesses,” she added.

American Wildwood is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“We may do some extended times during fall. Check www.americanwildwood.com for upcoming events and additional days during fall and holidays,” Moran encouraged.

“We’re hoping to get people in the area to stop, visit and see what we offer. I think many people who have heard about our opening believe it is just rustic furniture, or whatever they think it is we do, and are not interested in that furniture genre,” she said. “Truly, Indiana has some wonderful artists and I am just wanting to share their talents and works with others!

In addition to being passionate about art, Moran is also passionate about sustainable living and helping protect the environment.

With that in mind, she is finalizing plans for a “Green Christmas” open house Nov. 12 to 15 with extended hours Nov. 12 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Nov. 15 (noon to 4 p.m.); regular hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will be observed Nov. 13 and 14.

“Sustainable living is just something I really care about and it’s something we try to emphasize and promote,” she said. “There are many ways we can all do our part and I just think it’s very important that we do.”

Moran invites everyone to visit American Wildwood, to give her a call at (765-561-4635) or to visit the shop’s Web site.



Kevin L. Green can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 108 or via e-mail at kevin.green@indianamediagroup.com. Add a comment to this story at www.rushvillerepublican.com.

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