Mid-Ohio Valley residents know we are surrounded by people with enviable talents. Often it is easiest to focus on those with athletic ability or entrepreneurial prowess — and they are, indeed, worthy of our admiration. But last weekend we got a reminder of the incredible artistic gifts possessed by those who are not off exploring their craft in the big city, but right here at home.

Artists Sunday, part of a global effort to support local artists and encourage the rest of us to consider purchasing their one-of-a-kind, handmade works as holiday gifts, was hosted in downtown Marietta.

Marietta Makery and Clutch Collective teamed up — with help from First City Records, Teri Ann’s, Threadz Boutique and Wit & Whimzy — to spotlight brilliant work by local artists.

“I wanted to have somebody who had a unique product here,” said Wit & Whimzy owner Laura Pytlik. Smaller artists and makers “really have a hard time of being seen in the sea of big box retailers.”

So Pytlik made sure Michele VanMatre of Appalachian Anthropologie was seen. And, in turn, $1 from each card VanMatre sold was sent to support local feeding programs.

These folks are talented, creative individuals who did NOT run off to seek their artistic fortunes elsewhere. They are individuals who deserve our support, yes. But it’s also true they can help us give gifts (or items for our own homes) that are truly unique.

Artists Sunday may have brought several of them together to make it easier to offer our support, but artists, makers, craftspeople, creators … whatever we want to call them … usually offer their work year-round. It just takes a little searching.

Go to gallery shows. Ask around at arts centers or organizations that support the arts. Search for them online. Whatever it takes, don’t let your support of the incredible talent that helps make the Mid-Ohio Valley so beautiful be limited to just one day.