Some art is created to be admired by strangers. But some art is meant to connect directly with who we are, what we love, and the moments that shaped us. This week, Jeremy “Ro” Rheault of The Art Jar gave us a look into his studio’s specialty—that second kind.
In true creative fashion, Ro jumped in for an impromptu ‘show-and-tell’ style presentation showcasing parts of his website and a series of his recent works. Each piece accurately reflects his tagline—“Go Big With Your Fandom”—and shows how handmade memorabilia can turn personal passion into lasting art.
He walked us through several designs, from a bold Detroit Red Wings “D” to a sharply cut Kalamazoo Hornets piece, each one showcasing his evolving techniques and hand-craftsmanship. One standout piece was a Detroit Lions pennant commemorating the team’s 1992 playoff run—a reminder that sports fandom isn’t just about teams, but about eras, memories, and identity.
Separately, Jeremy shared how deadlines can be a powerful creative force for an artist. He had a commissioned piece without deadline that had sat too long, but then a juried art show in Westland gave him just the push he needed to work through challenges and bring the project to life by show deadline. And he won the popular vote! Many artists suffer from perfectionism—the endless need to tinker and make something “more perfect,” well beyond an acceptable state. He shared that having a finish line often helps force artists to solve design problems they might otherwise sit with perpetually.
In addition to imposing his own deadlines however he can—he’s also been experimenting with new cutting methods, exploring focused project weeks, and even setting his sights on collaborations with a few more Metro Detroit sports organizations. His work continues to evolve, but the heart of it remains the same: creating one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate what people care about most.
If you’re looking for custom handcrafted memorabilia that’s as personal as it is striking—GO BIG WITH YOUR FANDOM now—connect with Jeremy Rheault of The Art Jar.
And if you’d like to meet other creatives and professionals who support passion-driven work, we’d love to have you visit a Border to Border Business Connections meeting. We are here (just about) every week!
