Nestled deep in the heart of Lansing's Old Town are some of the latest in creative entrepreneurs. The Artisan's Circle is one of a growing number of co-ops allowing artists to not only create but also to take ownership in their work. "We're in control of our destiny and we like that," says Paula Gibson, one of the founding members of The Artisan's Circle Co-op. 

Unlike traditional art galleries where artists have little control of where and how their artwork is displayed, members of Artisan's Circle are owners of the retail shop. The buy-in for members is $250 in addition to monthly rent. That sum depends on how many artists are part of the co-op. "If we have ten members, it's going to be more than if we have twice that," Gibson said. The money is paid through the sale of the art. The co-op fees are about 5 percent of the sale--a much better deal for the artists than the normal 60-40 percent split of a traditional gallery.

The co-op is run by a five-member board of directors, deciding by a vote everything from hours of operation to artists allowed to join. Gibson likens the selection process to the jury system. "There is a panel with members representing different art specialties. An oil painter is always on the jury!" The most important aspect of the selection process is making sure the right type of artist is allowed to join. "We wanted to own a shop where we would all have an equal say on how the art was displayed and the type of art that would be displayed," says Gibson. She said no extreme or forbidden art is allowed, including nudity, violence or drugs. "We wanted a place that you could bring your three-year-old or your 90-year-old grandmother and not be embarrassed!" The types of art include oil paintings, pencil sketches, landscape photography, blown glass, pottery, leather work, quilting, jewelry and natural works. Candles, soaps and even gift cards are all handmade and priced to sell, ranging from as little as $1 all the way to $250. Specially designed items cost a bit more.

The co-op grew in number after a chance meeting back in 2006 in Williamston. Shelia Miller of Potterville was with three other women displaying their unique talent at the Arts and Crafts show, all turning the wool from their llama farms into natural hanging art. "We produced a lot and had to get rid of it somehow," jokes Miller. She recalled Gibson was quite impressed by her work. "She said look at all of this really neat handmade stuff!" Soon afterward the "Wooly Women," as they're known now, joined the co-op and are members today.

The Artisan's Circle dedicates its 750 square feet of space exclusively to displaying the artwork. There are no studio workshops. All artists work from home or other facilities. Artists can participate in one of three ways: owner, renter or commission. Those who buy into the co-op are owners. Renters pay for space on a regular basis but are not part of the ownership. Commission only is artwork that is accepted to be displayed by various artists. The sales split for commissions is similar to a traditional gallery. Only three commission displays are allowed at any given time. The artists make a good profit on their work, Gibson says, but not enough to maintain a lifestyle. "We all have regular jobs to pay the bills. Maybe someday we'll make enough to be self sufficient." She credits the mass appeal of the work for the co-op's success so far. "We try to be middle-of-the-road. We don't want to be so extreme that only 1 percent of those who come in will buy. We don't want to turn anyone away."

The co-op has grown from the seven original members to 19, and Gibson says it is at capacity. She said she and the others had considered moving to a larger facility where they could include handmade furniture, but the economy hasn't cooperated. "General Motors plants are closing down and there's a ripple effect," Gibson explains. She's not ruling out expansion for the future, though, saying taking chances is part of her nature. "We opened a year ago in October when the economy started going down, and we've been successful. For now, though, I think we'll just duck low and let the wind blow!"

One thing Gibson is considering changing is the hours of operation. Most of Old Town is closed for business on Mondays, but Gibson said she has seen so many interested art customers turned away by the closed sign on the co-op's door that she may propose opening all seven days a week. "I'm here anyway, so if people want to come in and shop, the better for us."

Grove Gallery

Unlike Gibson's shop where artists all work off site, a co-op in East Lansing contains work areas for the creative participants within the facility. The Grove Gallery Co-op is a much smaller operation with eight members--six of them with work stations in the building. For some, like Gretel Geist Rutledge, who worked for 40 years as a costume designer for the Theatre Department at Michigan State University, working side by side with other artists is a welcome addition. "I enjoy the collaboration and being around other people," she says. "Being alone is not my nature."

For others, like founding member Katherine Erickson, working at home is sometimes preferable. "It depends on what I'm working on," says Erickson. "Sometimes its great to have people around, but I'm more inspired when I'm alone."

The Grove Gallery Co-op opened its doors in May, 2008, but didn't open to the public until November. Erickson says it took a while for the group to get ready. "We needed more inventory so if we sold something we would have something else to put on the wall in its place." She admitted drawing from the best that the various artists had to offer took time to organize.

Like The Artisan's Circle, the Grove Gallery has a governing board. Decisions require approval by at least four of the members. The objective in picking new artists is matching personalities and talents. "We review artists to see if they're a good fit," said Erickson. "We also don't want the same craft as someone else so there's competition between artists. We want a good mix." The cost to join for a studio spot is $200. Off-site artists pay only $50. Both pay operations costs through the sale of their art. The rest of the profit is the artist's to keep.

The types of art range from traditional to abstract paintings, wall hangings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, bead and tile work. The newest trend has been toward environmentally friendly art. Artists are now using natural materials such as sticks in their masterpieces. Also, blown glass items from recycled jars and bottles are now available. The cost ranges from $15-$2,500. The artists also spend at least half their time on marketing. "If you're not willing to get out there and do some marketing, you're not going to be a professional artist making money," says Erickson. "But it's not just making a profit, it's getting noticed." Erickson has a website now and is getting orders from all over the country. "It takes a while. You can't expect it to happen overnight."

Another of the more successful artists is co-op manager and new mother, Jillian Stapleton. She credits her mother for helping to develop her interest in art. "My mom was an artist so I was introduced early on." Stapleton now has a degree in art from Alma College. But she credits her fellow artists with helping develop her talents. "We're all keeping this afloat together. We have an investment in the business and in each other." Stapleton is hoping the tradition of art continues in her family. She often brings her newborn daughter, Chloe Sue, to the studio while she works. As for whether Chloe will be a member of the co-op someday, Stapleton is hopeful. "How could she grow up with all this and not want to be a part of it?"

There are plans to expand the co-op. Currently, two off-site artist positions are available. The need is for more three-dimensional work. The facility recently lost a sculptor and a potter. Interested artists should submit an artist's statement, an application, and sample of artwork. The applicants will be judged by the governing board. The co-op would like to have all artists work in the studio, but space is in short supply. "We've considered trying to expand or move to a larger facility, but this space is so perfect," says Rutledge. So until they have no choice but to move on, it looks like downtown East Lansing will remain their home.

By Jo Anne Paul-Stanton

The Artisan's Circle Co-op

1236 Turner Street, Suite B

Old Town Lansing

517-374-9864

New Winter Hours:

9-6 Tuesday-Saturday

12-5 Sunday

Grove Gallery Co-op

325 Grove Street, Suite A

East Lansing

517-333-7180

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday-Friday Noon-6

Saturday-Sunday Noon-4