07/10/2007
Artist Co-op & Studio Barters For Nearly Anything
Gallagher Studios and Creative Center, an artist
cooperative in Ocean Shores (WA), has local artists pitching in with the
day-to-day operation of the gallery in exchange for lower commission rates,
greater promotion, and discounted supplies.
Owners Tina and Sam Gallagher say the gallery�s
co-op nature will make it easier for artists, photographers and sculptors, to do
their own promotion and prepare for shows. Their commission rates will be 20%
for volunteers and 30% for people who have no role in the gallery. Most
galleries, according to them, charge between 40% and 50%. Tina says she wants to
make money off her own paintings and not rob other artists blind with commission
fees.
Volunteer artists will also lend a hand during
the poetry readings and kid�s classes that are planned as weekly events. The
kid�s classes and book readings are Gallagher�s attempt to get children inside a
place where they�re surrounded by art, places which aren�t usually known for
being kid-friendly.However, they primarily want other artists to
use the galleries as a means of exposure that wouldn�t be available otherwise.
They have an open-door policy for artists or anyone with an interest in selling
their art.
Tina admits she may have to use a cash register
one day. But for now, the Gallaghers are more interested in bartering to
complete the gallery. �We are willing to barter for anything right now,� Sam
remarked. �This is not a cash-up-front place. If someone comes in and says that
they�d like a particular painting for their living room and don�t have much
money, but have a really great computer desk...it�ll be sold right then.�
They give credit to their landlord for getting
them started by providing carpeting and knocking out a window for more natural
light.
|
|
|
