Access to the internet would be so important. If there is any chance of having a web site set up so people could market their work, that would also be great.

The hardest (almost unsurmountable) part of setting out to pedal my work was the initial meeting with the gallery owners. Having to put out your work and have someone judge and perhaps reject it. Man, that was hard.

The artisan center is a wonderful idea. Best of luck to you.

Sounds like a good jump off. In my local area, Munising Michigan, we are trying to take advantage of being a gateway community to our surrounding parks and forests. We are starting a nonprofit organization that will encompass art and culture. A successful model in Marquette Michigan served as an incubator, where private galleries evolved.It's amazing how much talent lies fallow if there is no stimulus to bring it to light. A person familiar in the world of grant writing is a strong asset. Our city leadership is quite aware of the economic advantages of an established art community and very cooperative. Although what is happening in Munising doesn't completely match what your friends are doing, I would say that involving input from all facets of your community would be advantageous.Best of luck.
Frank

I will pass this on, they are getting input from Springboardforthearts.org, one of them is hoping to stop by with me at the shindig to see what its going to take to open a metal section, they are going to see what input the MN Guild of Metalsmiths has, MN Assoc of Photographers, and then needs to get some input from the pottery and ceramics sector.

The biggest thing about this is going to be funding and finding quality instructors or speakers.

Laurie O
Anoka

I find it hard to share a helpful comment here though certainly such a center would be of use to many. I never had the patience or a use for one, and still don't since my approach has been a bit off the wall instead. I do not have the answers, am undoubtedly a lousy businessman and ignore galleries and conventional outlets used to sell one's works. Basically I dislike taking much time to exhibit work except to others in creative minded trades, few of whom would ever be buyers. I have nothing against it but prefer to focus on making the works become the main object and reward. That act is where the most satisfaction blooms and gives the paybacks of personal discovery. I dislike depending on a sale to justify it's happening or continuance. Also never do a series or numbered repeat of an object unless a series of variations on a theme that has felt personally demanding or enlightening in some way. Working for the business keys to a system gets onto a boring track for me. As a result it means I resist and seldom buy many conventionally recognized 'artists' materials except as needed to best complete a physical thought. As a result most of my works start with thrown out residue or found object items even though it often means melting it down or altering so completely the origins become negated. As for sales, I firmly believe any successes originate more because of selling personal integrity, intentions and honesty's of drive and less from fitting any mode of recognized conventional standards. I will never be classified on the levels of the field's superstars but it never was a goal anyhow so no mater. In the end there are plenty of challenges to make the life of a hard working creative person quite satisfying. That satisfaction was an original goal and has worked for the last 50 years with many learning ups and downs but with no apparent end in sight. I am a poor man as money goes, but live like an anonymous king with negligible stress. What more could one ask. If a center or group site would be of benefit to many, I would think it would be because it offered community of like intentions, a place to compare and assist in helping with creative approaches of thought and little with strictly the business acumen of selling one's wares. Only the mediocre usually find keys to always succeed. Shooting for the stars and expecting many misses with rewards of knowing the why's and wherefores offer more creative community . Quantum Physics holds a solid key. Good luck and well wishes. bpfink