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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

My World: Artists' Co-Op


This storefront (the brick one) has been purchased by The Fragrant Mushroom here in Sparta and I'm very excited to be a part of the Artists' Co-op Gallery that will be going in here, right on main street in "downtown" Sparta, across from the courthouse.

An artist's co-op is a visual arts association jointly owned and democratically controlled by its members. A monthly membership fee buys space in the gallery, and there will also be available classroom space and studio space. Thor and Cheri, who own The Fragrant Mushroom (Thor makes wheel thrown pottery), have a vision for Sparta: to make it an artist-friendly town that draws tourism. They plan to hold classes to show other people how to do what they have done, so that all these other little buildings (many of which are vacant and getting somewhat run-down, but are quite old and charming) will eventually be galleries, making this a haven for Appalachian artists.

I hope it happens. My and Russ's daydream is to run a little bed and breakfast in this area ; I'd love to have it be one that focuses on creativity in some way, be it a gallery or workshops or both. That's a long way down the road, but one has to start somewhere.

So! At some point in June (date to be determined) my work will be exhibited here and I will do my part to bring art to my little town, hopefully teaching classes on wire wrapping jewelry and chainmaille to young and old.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

That's very interesting The Fragrant Mushroom,thanks for sharing:)

PS:Thanks for the visit of my world.

Anonymous said...

Good luck realizing your dream! Running a B&B sounds like great fun!

Carolyn said...

It is the perfect time to be creative and try new ventures. I just spent two months in a community much like Sparta(Picton, ON)who has turned to artisans of art, wine, cheese to turn their beautiful town around and it is working. Follow your dreams and thank you so much for sharing your part of the world with us.
Smiles

Anonymous said...

best to you and your dream...always a good thing when
we can make one step toward it.
the building is lovely.
have a wonderful wednesday.

Marites said...

i've been to places that's the same as you're talking about, the Enigmata in Camiguin Island, Philippines. It was a popular place for tourists and quite interesting place to be:)