The 2022 Ashland Train Day tshirt design was created by local artist and entrepreneur Carrie Cheatham.
The commemorative shirt for kids and adults will be on sale at Downtown Ashland Association’s booth on the tracks during the event. We are proud to showcase our community event with the work of a local artist!
This week, we interviewed Cheatham about life and art:
What is your favorite thing about Ashland?
The fact that you can walk or ride a bike just about anywhere. There is something special about walking or riding through Ashland and seeing all the quirks and history on "foot." From cruising around campus to get to class to long runs through town, this place surely has a way of making you feel like you're home.
I recall that you are a Yellow Jacket alumna, what did you study?
I am a Randolph-Macon College alumna and graduated in 2015 with a degree in Sociology. During my time there I was a four-year athlete on the field hockey team. My husband, Andrew, is also an alumnus and former baseball player for R-MC. Safe to say, we both love R-MC and Ashland, because it's where we met!
When did you start Snail.Mail? How has it changed over time?
I started Snail.Mail as a side business in 2018 and would work on small batches of cards after coming home from my "real" job. I never guessed that I'd be doing it full-time five years later!
Over the past few years, I've gone through a lot of change. Everything has grown into a brand that represents my passions and my style. I updated the cards and products, the logo and branding, the website development, and so much more. The one thing that hasn't changed at all—my solid foundation—is the mission: Using each card to advocate for and show love to our refugee and migrant neighbors here in our state.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Literally everywhere. I carry a little notepad with me most days to jot down random ideas, as well as pulling inspiration from my childhood, family life, and experiences. What I've learned is that if I can find inspiration from my own life, it will resonate with someone and their life too. Human connection is a beautiful thing.
Where can people find Snail.Mail cards? And do you take special orders?
Snail.Mail cards and other gift items can be found online at Ashland Meat Company, R-MC Campus Store, and Thrill of the Hunt. Special orders and commissions are always welcomed and encouraged. Whether it's a card, a commissioned home portrait, t-shirt design, or anything in between. If I can draw or paint it, we can make your ideas come to life! Please use the website to contact us with any special order ideas you may have.
Visit Carrie Cheatham and Snail.Mail online cheathamsnailmail.com and on social media via Instagram @cheathamsnail_mail, TikTok @cheathamsnail_mail, and Facebook @cheathamsnailmail.