Would you like to join Local Colors and sell your work?
How It Works
Local Colors is an artists’ cooperative in seaside Gloucester, Massachusetts. All members have equal standing and share equally in the operation and expenses of the cooperative. For over 30 years this venue has provided the public a spacious gallery containing fine American crafts including jewelry, wall art and pottery. Local Colors’ foundation was built on the production and sale of original artwork and accepts only handmade artwork, no reproductions or out-sourced work unless as excepted by the co-op rules. In addition, the cooperative provides a supportive community to grow artistically and form genuine friendships.
How it Works
· The membership provides you with space, and promotes and sells your original, handmade work.
· The membership pays the coop bills (phone, electric, rent, etc).
· You receive 100% of your sale price minus any credit card fees.
· You pay dues each month that can fluctuate based on the number of members – current dues are $120 a month. There is also an initial (nonrefundable) new member fee of $100. You are also required to pay a security deposit of $170 that will be returned upon resignation if all obligations are met and you are a member in “good standing” as described in the bylaws. The $100 initial fee and the $170 security deposit total $270 and are payable over 4 months. Dues for the first month of membership are due immediately.
· You must make a minimum of a 6 month commitment and provide a 2 month resignation notice should you decide to resign.
· You have opportunities to do special shows and hold artist’s reception in the gallery.
· You work in the gallery selling and promoting members’ art as well as cleaning and tidying the gallery on your workday. The work requirement fluctuates based on membership, time of year and hours opened.
· You participate in gallery re-hangings as well as group and member receptions.
· You participate as a member on various ongoing and one-time committees such as the jury committee, the design committee, the advertising committee and special event committees.
· You assist with cleaning, repairing, painting and construction in the gallery when needed.
· You agree to attend the monthly meetings – currently held online – that are on the third Monday of each month at 7pm.
· You agree to be nominated for one of the many positions (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Calendar Person, Supply Person, Committee Chair, etc) as required.
· Being a cooperative member is a multi-faceted position. An ideal member must be more than an accomplished artist. Important skills are past sales experience, willingness to help out as needed, learning about other members’ work to be able to provide information to our customers and working cooperatively with other members.
How to Apply
· If you think this might be for you, contact member Ann Schlecht at afschlecht@comcast.net to make an appointment for your work to be juried.
· Please submit your completed application and a brief bio or resume (optional) along with 6-8 pieces of original work to be juried. Apply online or print the application here. You should present your work as if it is ready to sell (framed, finished) with estimated retail prices. The work should be current and completely original. Please do not submit work in which any part was done with an instructor or mentor.
· After contacting the jury chair, your work (and application if it printed) should be left at Local Colors no later than noon on the day it is to be juried. You will arrange with the jury chair on when to pickup your work.
· JURY PROCESS: Member discussion of work is confidential and we use an anonymous method of voting. As a result, feedback is not given to applicants who are not accepted. If the Jury has additional questions regarding your work or experience, you will be asked to come in for an interview.
· NOTIFICATION: Applicants will be notified by email as to the results of the member review.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative.