Bodega Bay Beat by Joan Poulos - December 2018

I hope you each made it to the quaint craft faire on November 24 and got some precious gifts. If not, have no fear, the Holiday Sale is coming to the Artisans’ Co-op Gallery. Before and after Christmas, December 22 - January 3. They’ll take 10% off everything in the shop except notecards. If you haven’t yet or recently been in, now is a great time to come take a look at all the goods they have to offer. It is a sensory feast!

Also, every two months the Co-op holds a themed showcase, including free raffles of their featured art or craft. What a treasure it would be to walk away with a unique piece of handmade artwork. You can check their website for a full list of 2019’s showcase dates and themes as well as information on individual artisans: www.artisansco-op.com.

There is currently a large variety of 55 artisans on display in the gallery. Of them, there are 15 “full members” who work at least 2-3 days a month, pay a share of rent, get the entire amount of their sales and are involved with decisions in the planning committee. The remaining 40 artisans split their sales with the Gallery.

The Co-op is dedicated to bringing back traditional hand-made arts and crafts with environmentally respectful products. These include fiber works, leather, beach woodwork and sheepskin boots. The boots are machine washable and can be customized to your feet. Then you can choose to add personalized embellishments. Another special treasure is loden, the German word for felt, which is boiled down sheep wool that creates a tight weatherproof product with beautiful embedded accents. This uncommon craftwork is a rare and beautiful find.

The committee also leaves room for experimental and new crafts such as “splats” of colored glass for potholders and coasters, porcelain pottery with unique sounds when touched and baby bonnets made out of 1920 handkerchiefs. There is plenty room for creativity and revolutionary ideas in this quirky and extensive little gallery. You will find gifts unlike anything anywhere else.

At its birth in April of 1996, the Co-op began with 15 artisans. I talked to one of the founders, Martha Cant, who is now the treasurer and remains one of the fiber artists. She is the last of that initial group still here standing, with her balls of wool in hand. Martha is glad to have somewhere to sell her goods without a consignment fee, likes meeting new people from varied places and is friends with other artisans in the Co-op.

Cant says to “Come in, because there’s always something new and things are always changing!” There is something for everybody at the Gallery since there is so much diversity in what they offer. She also noted that there is more pottery and paintings than in the beginning. Art sales vary tremendously every day, though there surely are some loyal repeat customers.

One goal for this small shop is to improve the security system with more cameras and a monitoring program so that inanimate objects stop sprouting legs. The Co-op is a non-official nonprofit because there is nothing to own. Most of their property is donations and creations; very little needs to be bought. It is a true convergence of community.

Not unlike politics, when you combine so many temperamental artistic personalities, opinions sometimes clash. It is difficult to manage such situations democratically. With or without conflict, this intimate niche community has kept themselves together and thriving for almost 23 years and is going strong.

The featured artisans live within 25 miles of Bodega. Annie Springer says that they are “always looking for new artists who understand the philosophy and intent of the gallery.” New artists must meet the criteria of high quality, space appropriate items with a moderate price range and fit in harmoniously with what’s already there while also being unique. Interested persons should contact the Gallery.

The Artisans’ Co-op Gallery is dynamic and constantly changing. Even existing artists will bring in brand new releases on a regular basis. You can find this engaging Gallery in the center of Bodega, at 17175 Bodega Hwy, Bodega, CA 94922. Call them at (707) 876-9830 with any questions or comments, or email Francesca Scalpi at fscalpi@gmail.com. They are open everyday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.