Designer grocery bags certainly are a hit with Acme customers.The 5,000 reusable bags designed by local artist Don Drumm sold out in about three hours last month.That prompted Acme Fresh Markets of Akron to order another 5,000 of the “Sun Bags,” featuring a round-cheeked sun face — a Drumm trademark — getting ready to munch an ear of corn.They should be available at Acme’s 17 stores in late November, after Thanksgiving.And there’s another Drumm design in the bag: a brightly colored holiday tote featuring an elf decorating a Christmas tree.“The whole thing has blossomed into more than we had hoped for,” said Drumm, a renowned sculptor and designer and owner of Don Drumm Studios & Gift Shop near the University of Akron.Drumm’s bag deal with Acme calls for the grocery chain to donate money to the Akron Area Arts Alliance, a group promoting arts and cultural activities in Summit County. The nonprofit is celebrating its 20th year.The first bag — Acme officials dubbed it the “Sun Bag” — arrived in stores Sept. 24. Customers snatched up all 5,000 almost immediately.“Acme was embarrassed that they didn’t have enough,” Drumm said. “We had 25 calls here [at his gift shop] asking if we had the bags. I said, ‘No, I don’t. I have my own bags.’ ”Drumm’s gift shop has long been known for its own bags that feature his designs.Acme spokeswoman Sue Guthier said individual customers were limited to six Sun Bags.Bag-hungry customers have been calling Acme stores, and even Acme’s Akron headquarters, which received more than 50 calls, Guthier said.Acme doesn’t plan to be so cautious with the holiday bag, ordering 20,000 from the overseas manufacturer of the polypropylene totes.The holiday bags probably will be available in early December, Guthier said. They will sell for $2.99, a little more than the $2.50 price of a Sun Bag.The advertising is relatively discreet on both bags, with the Acme logo on the side. The back of the holiday bag reads: “Happy Acme Holidays.”Acme marked the release of the first bag last month with a $1,500 donation to the Akron Area Arts Alliance.Acme plans to make another $1,500 donation to the nonprofit, Guthier said.Drumm said there are even more bags in the works. He’s envisioning one to mark the 2012 election season and another bag with a Halloween theme.Acme President Steve Albrecht credits Debbie Trout, wife of Acme Executive Vice President Jim Trout, with the idea of having Drumm create designs for reusable bags.“The bags show that art can be anyplace,” Drumm said. “It doesn’t have to be in a museum.”Nate Filler, president and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association, said he hadn’t heard of other Ohio grocers teaming with local artists for bag designs.“That’s really unique,” he said. “It engages [grocers] in the community. And you’re reusing bags, which is good for the environment.”Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781 or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com.