What if Voices of the Children, a local nonprofit connecting youth around the world in collaborative arts programs, created a retail space providing a platform for the artists and artisans they work with to sell their merchandise?  How might such a space deepen the connections being made through its programs? How might it enrich the connections being made between communities and how might it further support the communities in which it works? These are the questions that have inspired the opening of this retail boutique on First Street in downtown Mount Vernon. Habibi, an Arabic word meaning ‘Beloved’, opened its doors in the Fall of 2020.

Bringing the world to the Skagit Valley, celebrating differences and commonalities and supporting community is what Habibi strives to do. Merchandise is rotated in and out every couple of months to feature the greatest number of creatives as possible and 60% of every sale at Habibi goes back to the artist who created it.

More than a retail store, Habibi is a gathering place for storytelling and connection. In non-pandemic times it will feature arts and crafts exhibitions and host receptions for international artists and artisans. It will present poetry readings, an internationally focused book club and film club and will offer workshops for youth and adult creatives. Visiting artists and artisans will be put to work in one of Voices of the Children’s many arts programs throughout the Skagit Valley and will continue the program with youth in their home communities.

Come share your story with the folks at Habibi and be fulfilled by the ripple effects of the support your purchase provides throughout the year.