Located in Lebanon, Oregon, Sapphire Arts, founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Nancy Davenport, is more than just a business; it’s a blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and digital expertise, all wrapped in a deep love for the community.
With backgrounds as diverse as woodworking, fabric arts, and digital marketing, Matt and Nancy bring something truly unique to Lebanon. Matt is also the newest WhirLocal content contributor, meaning you’ll be seeing more local stories and spotlights from Matt about our WhirLocal Lebanon community.
But before we dive into what’s next, let’s get to know Sapphire Arts and the people behind it.
From Woodworking and Fabric Art to Digital Solutions
For Matt, woodworking runs in the family. “I grew up watching my dad work with wood, mostly redwood, in Northern California,” he shared. Though life took him on different paths including serving as a Military Police officer in the Army, a commercial truck driver, and a pastor for nine years, and he eventually found his way back to woodworking. When his father retired and passed down his tools, Matt’s passion for the craft was reignited.
Nancy, on the other hand, is a skilled fabric artist known for her handmade purses, totes, wallets, and memory animals. She specializes in creating unique pieces, often repurposing denim to craft one-of-a-kind items. Her memory animals, plush keepsakes made from sentimental fabrics, have become a beloved staple in the Lebanon area.
Together, they combined their talents to create Sapphire Arts, offering high-quality handcrafted goods alongside digital marketing, web design, and social media management services. It’s not every day that you find a business that can design a website, craft a custom wooden spoon, and sew a keepsake teddy bear all under the same roof!
More Than a Business; A Personal Connection
What truly makes Sapphire Arts stand out isn’t just their variety of services, it’s the way Matt and Nancy approach their work. Their philosophy is simple: customers aren’t just transactions; they’re relationships.
“The best part of what we do is the people we meet at craft and gift shows,” Matt said. “We may go to sell, but the real reward is the connections we make.”
One moment that stuck with them was when a young boy fell in love with a teddy bear at their booth. The bear was priced at $18, but the boy only had $2 to his name. Without hesitation, Nancy let him have it. “His excitement was priceless,” Matt recalled. “His mother later came back to thank us, and it was just a reminder that some things are more important than making a sale.”
That level of genuine care and kindness is what keeps customers coming back. And, if you visit their booth at an event, don’t be surprised if you recognize Matt from another role, he and Nancy play Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the holidays!
Giving Back to the Community
Matt and Nancy’s commitment to people doesn’t stop at their business. When their son-in-law, Josh, needed a wheelchair-accessible van, they jumped in to help with a fundraiser called “Uplifting Josh.”
“Transportation was a huge struggle for him,” they explained. “We were honored to sponsor a lane at the Lebanon Bowling Alley fundraiser event.”
Giving back is a central part of their mission, and they take pride in supporting causes that make a real difference.
What’s Next for Sapphire Arts?
Sapphire Arts is always evolving. One of their latest projects is a small, round hummingbird house that will soon be available on Amazon. “This will be our first step into a wider online market,” Matt said. “We hope to add more products as we grow.”
They’re also working toward securing a larger workspace, either through a business loan or a backer, to expand their production. As demand for their handcrafted products grows, they want to ensure they have the space to keep up.
How to Connect with Sapphire Arts
Want to learn more about Sapphire Arts? You can visit their website at sapphireartsdesign.com, where they list their wholesale products and digital services.
They’re also active on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn, with Pinterest coming soon. Give them a follow to stay updated on their latest projects and handcrafted creations!
As new WhirLocal content contributors, Matt and Nancy will also be sharing local spotlights and positive stories right here on WhirLocal Lebanon.
Sapphire Arts isn’t just a business; it’s a labor of love, creativity, and community. Welcome to WhirLocal Lebanon, Matt and Nancy! We’re excited to have you here.
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