Is a coop gallery in your future?

The economy has been tough for all small businesses, and Gallery 225 is no exception.  In order to continue to serve East Valley artists, I'm pursuing alternative business models.  The one that I've been putting the most energy into is a collective gallery.

This is a new concept to me and it's taken quite a bit of research to understand the different approaches.  A coop works when a group of artists come together

• to form a legal entity like a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)
• elect a board to establish operating parameters such as how artists are juried in, define volunteer duties, and generally, establish gallery rules
• determine the percentage cost per member for running the gallery
• determine the percentage split per sale for the artist and the gallery
• write the contracts for membership

There are many different models for a coop, and depending on the total membership, there are differing costs associated with belonging to one.  On the other hand, it does provide artists the opportunity to have a say into how their art is exhibited and sold.  It also provides for a greater percentage of sales to remain with them.

I'm also considering selling the business as a complete turnkey operation.

If you're interested in either of these concepts, please let me know.

You can call me at the gallery (480-503-2255) or email me (maryellen@gallery225az.com).