Aces of Trades: Marion's McCall follows passion to start Sweada Mae Art Café
MARION – She’s an experienced artist with a novel business: Rachel McCall and The Sweada Mae Art Café. For that, at least some thanks goes to her grandmother – and an incredibly popular TV painter.
“As a child, I loved to draw and create,” she explained. “I didn’t have art supplies at home, but my grandmother would let me use some of hers when I’d visit. I spent many summer days and Christmas breaks drawing and trying to replicate images from her drawing books.”
“She loved watching Bob Ross paint on TV,” McCall added. “Everything else had to wait when it was time for Bob.”
McCall grew up in Scioto County. She graduated from Shawnee State University in Portsmouth with a degree in graphic design. Then the corporate world came calling.
“I was a marketing director before leaving the corporate world to stay home and raise my boys,” she said. “I’ve been a stay-at-home mom, substitute teacher, graphic designer and volunteer.”
The seed for The Sweada Mae Art Cafe was planted in 2012 when McCall took her boys to visit a paint-your-own pottery studio. “However,” she said, “raising a young family and having a husband who worked long hours, those ideas remained tucked away.”
“Two years ago,” she continued, “I mentioned to my husband that I was interested in starting this business. He was very supportive and encouraged me to take The Forge classes offered at MTC. I signed up with the intention of learning about the process of opening a business. I submitted my business plan and was picked to give a presentation and chosen as the 2018 winner.”
Construction delays and COVID presented delays in opening The Sweada Mae Art Cafe store front. The cafe had its ribbon cutting ceremony last month.
“My family loved attending her classes and during these COVID times we’re living in,” said friend and customer Michael Bodine II. “She even delivered art projects to our home with instructions and made a great family activity. Rachel and her business have been a great addition to Marion and we really look forward to her storefront opening. We think it will be a fabulous addition to downtown Marion.”
“Creating a business from nothing is a daunting, yet exciting, experience,” McCall noted. “I want to offer a place that people of all ages and abilities can come to learn and create.”
“I enjoy teaching classes and watching others make interesting things or try new techniques,” she added. “Art is therapeutic. It allows us to spend quality time together, or by ourselves. It should not be exclusive for only those with experienced skills or access to the tools and equipment. Helping someone, especially those who claim they’re not artistic, to enjoy creating something they’re proud of, is very rewarding.”
The name, The Sweada Mae Art Café, by the way, is in honor of her grandmother. “I originally called the business The Art Center,” McCall explained, “but it was too generic. I rebranded the business fall of 2019 and named it after my grandmother. She was very creative. She loved ceramics, oil painting and drawing.”
“I’m pleased with where life has taken me,” she concluded. “I’ve enjoyed raising my children. I put my career on hold to take care of my family and allow my husband to focus on his career. Now, as he put it, it’s my turn to follow my dreams.”
