“Since starting a page of mary, I’ve found a huge community of book makers and artists online, which has been very inspiring. I love how tactile it is. For me, it’s a meditation. I zen out, get in the zone, and before I know it I’ve created something!”

– Mary Page Nance

Broadway’s shutdown sparked a handmade paper goods microbusiness founded by artist and Broadway performer, Mary Page Nance. a page of mary made its Instagram and Shopify debut in April 2020, amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, offering the world specialized arts and crafts, nicknamed #coronacrafts by Nance.

When Broadway, New York City closed in COVID 2020, it opened a world of opportunity for actress/artist, Mary Page Nance, awakening her inner crafty, paper connoisseur. Nance began transforming mementos into marvelous, handmade, custom creations including: custom journals, book binding, stationary and more. The power of social media combined with Nance’s perseverance, timely creativity and business savvy, afforded her an opportunity to be front and center with her art, at a time when she couldn’t be onstage. She began putting together old Playbills, ticket stubs and photos; upcycling them and binding them with buttons, ribbons, pieces of lace and more. Within weeks, orders started pouring in for Nance’s handcrafted keepsakes, mostly from fellow artists, New Yorkers and Broadway performers.

“I’ve always made books for my friends as gifts for birthdays, wedding, special occasions, wrote Nance via email. “I’ve always thought about selling them one day!”

Within six months, Nance leveraged e-commerce, a website and productivity tools, integrating Shopify into a page of mary’s Instagram page. In a matter of weeks, she was downstage on a journey of full-out artisan commerce, social media marketing and artistpreneurship.

Our interview with Broadway performer, Mary Page Nance, highlights her influences, her motivation and the positive impact that COVID-19 quarantine has had on her art. Happy discoveries.

SolShock: Tell us a little about your background.

Mary Page: I grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Super artistic town, urban with a river running through. I grew up as a city kid who also got to experience the rough and unplugged country side. I love and crave both! My family is southern and loves a good fried green tomato, and always has held onto old photos and antiques passed down from family – which influenced my love of old things! I come from a very artistic family, my Mom is one of 5 and they all play musical instruments. My Dad is a lawyer, but is an INCREDIBLE painter/visual artist. I was always supported when it came to choosing a career in the arts. It was never a question. I am very lucky in that respect.

SolShock: What were some of your favorite books and magazines growing up?

Mary Page: To Kill a Mockingbird was always my ultimate favorite. I auditioned for the role of “Scout” when I was little and when I didn’t get it I was devastated because I knew I’d get too old to play it. I loved the wish bone versions of classic stories! I always enjoyed looking through my parents old magazines. Old LIFE magazine always made me swoon. I think I frequented Teen Vogue during a desperate adolescent time…

SolShock: Do you keep/save greeting cards you’ve received over the years? 

Mary Page: YES. I’m the WORST. I come from a long line of hoarders, haha, not the kind that need to be on a TV show/get professional help, just the kind who keep special things. I have such a hard time getting rid of things like this. This actually inspired a page of mary as well, because it’s a way to take things you love and sort of re-birth them into something cohesive and beautiful! But also something that makes sense and can be held on a bookshelf.

SolShock: Who are some of your favorite artists?

Mary Page: Oh gosh! I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently as I’ve been trying to reconnect with artists who inspire me. Bill T Jones is a big one. Merce Cunningham, Twyla Tharp. Carol Burnett is huge. Kristin Wiig. My Mom. So many of my friends. My friends are so talented and inspire me daily.

SolShock: What has Broadway taught you the most?

Mary Page: What a question! To fiercely hold onto who I am. And lead with that, always.

SolShock: Do you have a muse? Tell us more.

Mary Page: Carol Burnett. Female. Comedy. Boss.

SolShock: How does art imitate life, in your life?

Mary Page: It happens all the time, and it surprised me always!

SolShock: What are some of your favorite places you’ve traveled?

Mary Page: Haiti

SolShock: Who has influenced you most as an artist?

Mary Page: GAH. Another insane and fantastic question. I can’t say who, but I can say when. My college experience at SUNY Purchase was hugely influential. We were constantly challenged by our professors to think like an artist – I was creating 100% of the time. Everywhere you looked on that campus you found incredible work. So many of my fellow students are very successful in their fields today. It was rich with creation. I really miss that.

SolShock: How has the COVID-19 quarantine impacted your art?

Mary Page: I love this question. Well initially, it has removed all of the work I had lined up for at least a year. I was slated to have started previews for a new musical just a few days ago, and of course that’s not happening now. So right when it hit, it felt like my art had been pulled from me entirely. Like the chances I had to share it are now gone. Which is definitely true in some ways. However, it has forced me to reflect on what an artist is, without that. Without the shows and the theaters and the “chances” and the “booked work”. I’m still an artist. That’s for sure. So I’m trying to take this time to give myself permission to create the work I want to. Not the work I’m allowed to when someone else gives me a job. Although it will be a very tough financial year, ultimately it will be good for me.

SolShock: What does the soundtrack to a page of mary sound like?

Mary Page: I tend to rely heavily on folk music as a background. I’ll put on “Wailin Jenny’s” radio and just go. I also found Marvin Gaye Radio to be a great crafting vibe. Or just… Aretha.

SolShock: What’s your dream commission?

Mary Page: Honestly, I have a few of them right now! I can’t believe so many people are interested in what I do and want to support me, truly ANY commission is a dream.

SolShock: What and who keeps you motivated?

Mary Page: Myself. I have a great deal of belief in myself and my potential. I just feel it, and I know I am capable of more. When I get distracted, or tired, if I check in with myself and truly sit with what I’m feeling, I usually find it there. My partner is also incredibly supportive and helps me in that way as well!

SolShock: *What was your most recent happy discovery?

Mary Page: I don’t like cooking! AND THAT IS OKAY. (hahaha).

SolShock: What are some of your upcoming projects we can look forward to?

Mary Page: Two very exciting new musicals: “Lempicka” and “Black No More”. Both incredibly important stories and hugely inspiring creative teams. I can’t wait.

---

Learn more about Mary Page Nance and a page of mary on Instagram