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Woodstock's Thriving Art Scene Inspires Makers and Entrepreneurs

Inspired by the areaโ€™s ever growing art scene, creative entrepreneurs and local makers feel at home

By Visit Woodstock September 25, 2024

Located just 30 minutes from the Atlanta perimeter via I-75/575, Woodstock, Georgia, is an unexpected destination with an impressive art scene and an undeniable community vibe. Woodstock’s ever growing art scene and welcoming business environment is setting the stage for more creative entrepreneurs to call the area home. Here’s a closer look at two of Woodstock’s entrepreneur trailblazers who are leaving their own mark on the community and all those who visit.

Meet Clay Goswick of Clay Goswick Photography

Driven by a passion for adventure and storytelling, Clay Goswick started his business, Clay Goswick Photography, 11 years ago out of a coffee shop in downtown Woodstock. At the time, the shop was a hub for local entrepreneurs and provided Goswick with a unique opportunity to meet others that would later play a big role in getting his business off the ground. Whether working on a project for a local restaurant or photographing for national and international ad campaigns, Clay Goswick thrives on adventure coupled with discipline and consistency. Inspired by the area’s outdoor recreation and opportunity for adventure, Goswick is proud to call Woodstock home. As for the future of his business, Goswick aspires to expand his team in an intentional way and feels Woodstock is the perfect place to do that. But it’s not all work and no play for Goswick. When he’s not working, he can be found hiking or biking local trails, fishing in the area’s lakes, enjoying one of many nearby parks with family or grabbing a beer at a local brewery. In his words, “Woodstock is home and Woodstock is family.” See more about Goswick’s story and why he chose Woodstock in this storyboard created by a fellow local creative entrepreneur, Manic Agency.

Meet Madison Beaulieu of Beau Paper Co., Creator of Makers Mash and Manager of Made Mercantile

Local artist and entrepreneur Madison Beaulieu stays busy as the owner of Beau Paper Co., the creator of Makers Mash and the manager of Made Mercantile. At Beau Paper Co., Beaulieu creates inspiring paper goods in the form of greeting cards, notepads, stationery, stickers and more, to help spread joy through the handwritten note. When she’s not creating for Beau Paper Co., Beaulieu can be found at Makers Mash, a series of local pop up shop events featuring the work of local artisans showcased at local craft breweries. Supported by a community that believes in giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their business, Beaulieu also manages Made Mercantile, a City of Woodstock collaboration that supports makers through access to a workspace and retail space as well as educational opportunities, all in the heart of downtown Woodstock. Inspired by the area’s thriving art scene and local culture, Beaulieu believes a big part of what makes Woodstock special is the ability to be creative in such a supportive community. When she’s not working, Beaulieu can be found enjoying one of Woodstock’s many parks and playgrounds with her young family. In her words, “Woodstock is a one-of-a-kind place where you can be creative and enjoy time with your family.” See more about Beaulieu’s story and why she chose Woodstock in this storyboard, created by local based Manic Agency

Visiting Woodstock

Come for the arts and stay to experience so much more! Woodstock offers a variety of lodging options, spectacular dining experiences, shopping and more. Don’t miss dinner and rooftop views at Rootstock, known for offering farm fresh gourmet food, an impressive wine list, whiskey tastings and live music. Grab a local brew at Jekyll Brewing and pop in Findlay Rowe Designs Gift Shop and Boutique for that one of a kind find. Rootstock, 8558 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia, 30188; 770-544-9009; Jekyll Brewing, 8634 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia, 30188; 844-453-5955; Findlay Rowe Designs Gift Shop and Boutique, 102 Fowler Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188, 770-926-9280

For information on annual events and year round happenings such as walking tours, seasonal markets and more, please visit VisitWoodstockGA.com/events/ or make a stop at the Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store located in the heart of downtown Woodstock. Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store, 8588 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 770-924-0406