Creating and Sharing Art with ShaneMade

Marked by the brightly colored artwork in the window, and the bubble maker set on the corner, ShaneMade in South Norwood is bringing what owner Shane Whitman calls "simple, but fun and hip" designs to local shoppers and aspiring artists.

For Shane, 24, a resident of Sharon, art is something that should be fun, personal and shared. At his Norwood store location, which opened on May 1, customers can order one of Shane's designs handpainted on a colored t-shirt of their choice, or indulge their inner artist and paint a personal canvas.

Shane said before the store opened he had been selling his t-shirts for about a year through his website and at New England craft fairs.

"I don't silk-screen," he said. "It's all by hand."

While only a recent addition to Norwood's art scene, Shane said his work as an artist began years ago.

"I picked up a pencil when I was like 3, and I haven't stopped," he said.

Shane grew up in Randolph, not far from Norwood, and graduated from Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton. He now lives in Sharon with his wife and step-daughter, whose art can be seen displayed with Shane's on the walls of the store.

Making art available and accessible to everyone is part of what Shane aims to do at ShaneMade.

"No one wants to purchase art anymore," Shane said. "It's a luxury."

But in his shop, Shane said customers can create personal works of art for at most $20, with the opportunity to paint their own canvas, order a handpainted t-shirt to their specifications, or draw if the mood strikes.

"I believe that everyone is an artist," he said. "It doesn't have to be perfect."

For Shane, bold lines and bright colors characterize his work, much like his favorite artist Keith Haring. Shane also works with sculpture and jewelry-making, all of which can be seen on display in the store.

ShaneMade is usually open Tuesday-Saturday from noon until about 5 p.m. and is located on Washington St. in South Norwood between Banana Hair and Nails and Keegan's Jewelers.