Downtown, there are multiple places to pick up a stylish mask while enjoying local restaurants and businesses. A Cricket in the House, located on Walnut Street near the old Aviary Café, has a selection of handmade masks from various local and regional artists. A whimsical vintage shop, A Cricket in the House offers antiques and retro furnishings along with vintage decor and products from local creators. Their masks have a great retro, vintage look and are only $12. They come with a nose-piece– some are even reversible–and come in all sizes. 

“We have an amazing selection of all kinds, from tye-dye to Betty Boop,” said a spokesperson for the shop. “The whole store is unique, eclectic, and we work with tons of local people to provide all kinds of unique options for our clientele.”

Another up-and-coming Springfield business offers more modern options in two locations in town. Five Pound Apparel, located on South Avenue downtown and Republic Road in Farmers Park, grew out of a custom screen-printing business started by college students. Branded items sold at either location fund a donation of five pounds of food to Ozarks Food Harvest, which feeds up to 30,000 individuals weekly.

Online or in-store, Five Pound Apparel offers masks in children’s or adult’s sizes, and offer packs if you are looking to stock up. Their masks promise to be lightweight, breathable, and come in many trendy styles.

Just blocks from Drury’s campus is a steampunk gem of Historic C-Street. A Wench in the Gear sits only half a block from the Neighborhood Market and supplies Springfield with handcrafted clothing and accessories that are made primarily with repurposed and up-cycled materials. There are custom-made corsets, coats, jackets, hats, skirt lifters, handmade jewelry, and of course, masks. Masks from A Wench in the Gear sell for $20, and are as durable as they are beautiful. There are dozens of designs and patterns to choose from, such as themed options like Harry Potter and Marvel to whimsical, unique patterns and designs. Masks from A Wench in the Gear are sure to turn a few heads.

Local artists are doing their part to relieve some of the stress that might come in times of financial tension. Artists like Deni Denwiddie offer handmade, customized masks at lower prices than online stores or chain locations. Denwiddie is a highly experienced seamstress with years of practice with the Society for Creative Anachronism, a community dedicated to historically accurate reenactment.

Dinwiddie’s masks are made to last, with filters and durable ear straps. They are easy to wash and come in a wide variety of patterns and designs. They are fully customizable, perfect for that specific socially-conscious outfit.

“I’m trying to help people out with low cost, decent looking, fun masks,” Denwiddie told The Mirror. Each purchase from her results in a 25% donation to various trans-rights organizations.

 You can contact her at Denimaskemporium@gmail.com, or visit her Facebook page, D & C Oddities and Deni’s Mask Emporium. 

Article by Forest Swisher and Cheyenne Heavener