About Us

Who We Are

Classic Cotton Co. was established in 2017 when a lover of all things vintage and all things music decided to get creative. Owner & Designer, Mark E. Chase is a retired college professor who primarily taught print design. After taking an early retirement from teaching, Mark decided to combine his interests of music, thrifting and sustainability by dusting off his sewing machine and designing one-of-a-kind art. Mark's wife Amanda Chase also contributes behind the scenes at Classic Cotton Co. from design, marketing, communications, business strategy, high fives, and being the all around number one fan of Mark's creative works. 

In the summer of 2021, along with his wife Amanda and two dogs, Mark packed up and moved to Asheville, NC. He and his wife put down roots in the western North Carolina mountains and renovated their current home. 

When Mark is not creating new work, he can be found attending live music events, especially "Dead" shows as he is a life-long Grateful Dead fan. He also enjoys the company of friends & family, traveling, vinyl collecting, and a good single malt. 

Our Sustainable Philosophy 

At Classic Cotton Co one of our main goals is to positively add sustainability to our world by reducing our carbon footprint through greater environmental and social practices. Our creative process provides renewed life to materials through "upcycling". A Classic Cotton Co creation uses pre-owned materials.

Artist's Statement

As an artist, I transform discarded graphic t-shirts into fresh, thought-provoking imagery that celebrates the intersection of music, community, and design. Working primarily with upcycled textiles, I redraft the original text and graphics, breathing new life into materials that might otherwise be forgotten. My process is a dialogue between the old and the new, where I reimagine familiar symbols and phrases, creating a visual language that resonates with both nostalgia and innovation.

With a background in graphic design and experience as a college professor, I am drawn to the power of typography and its ability to convey meaning. I meticulously explore different fonts and their relationships, utilizing proximity to enhance impact and create dynamic compositions. Each piece is not just an artwork but a narrative—a reflection of my passion for music and the vibrant stories within my local community.