Today we’d like to introduce you to ArtForms Gallery.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After attending an “Art as a Business” seminar sponsored by Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center in 2015, four local artists committed to establishing a local artists’ cooperative. In 2016, ArtForms Gallery opened its doors in downtown Pittsburg Kansas and has been in operation ever since.
Local economic development funds helped with startup costs, including stocking the Gallery’s classroom with small tools for use in workshops. ArtForms has consistently maintained a membership of approximately 20 juried local and regional artists. Jurying artists for membership helps ensure variety and quality in the artworks available at ArtForms. Member artists not only display and sell their work in the Gallery but also work the sales counter and offer hands-on workshops in the classroom. The cooperative structure provides mentoring and collaboration among its members, making it accessible for both formally trained and self-taught artists alike at nearly any level of experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest obstacle that ArtForms Gallery (and many other small businesses) has faced in the past six years has of course been the COVID pandemic. Not being an essential business meant closing the Gallery’s doors for a period of time. The unique structure of the co-op meant that it did not qualify for relief funding, but member artists committed to re-opening the Gallery once it was safe to do so. This speaks volumes about the commitment of its member artists. They worked to keep ArtForms visible online and offered online sales individually as they were able to do so from their home studios while the Gallery was inaccessible.
During the lockdown, ArtForms Gallery also invited community members to participate in an online collaborative exhibit entitled “Refocus 2020” in conjunction with student coursework at Pittsburg State University. They were asked to consider how the pandemic had changed their vision for 2020 and to express this artistically by making or decorating a unique pair of spectacles, using only materials they had on hand at home, or wherever they were sheltered in place. The exhibit is archived in the Digital Commons of PSU’s Axe Library: https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/afg_refocus/
Ongoing challenges for ArtForms Gallery include increased operating costs, fluctuations in membership, and communication among its member artists who are only in the space together once a month for business meetings. Member artists work together to maintain a sustainable structure in every area from membership dues to marketing and special collaborative exhibits.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ArtForms Gallery?
ArtForms Gallery prides itself on providing a casual, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to view and purchase art. Art galleries often have an air of exclusivity that can be discouraging for those who are unfamiliar with or new to the art world. Representing such a large number of juried artists helps ensure there are artworks for sale in a variety of media at all price points. ArtForms is entirely staffed by its member artists, so customers feel welcome to ask questions about the works and the artists themselves.
Workshops are also led exclusively by member artists, which creates an intimate and un-intimidating experience for participants. Friendships often arise among artists and patrons alike from the ease and familiarity of the workshop experience at ArtForms Gallery.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Every artist is more fulfilled and successful when they feel supported and encouraged, and their communities benefit in return.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artforms-gallery.com
- Instagram: @artforms620
- Facebook: artformsgallery620
- Twitter: @artforms620
Image Credits
ArtForms Gallery
