Eclectics Gallery by Kirsten Coughlin

Details: Gallery: Eclectics Gallery Location: 7015 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64113; (816) 361-6643 Owners: The gallery is an artist cooperative owned by Natalie Acuff, Don Dolton, Pete Dulin, Lisa Freeman, Ninette Gehle, Sharon Hill, Jenny Isenberg, Robin Mackintosh, Jeanie Manion, Amy Michel, Jill Moline and Traci Sauls.

Ceramics by Natalie Acuff, a co-owner of the artist cooperative.

Background:

In 1991, a group of Kansas City women sought an outlet for their creativity (and a sales venue for their work) so they formed Eclectics Gallery Ltd. "We had no expertise with a co-op, so we created what we wanted as we went along," says Jenny Isenberg, one of the founding members. Along with the 12 current owners, there are approximately 18 consignment artists.

Kinds of crafts sold:

work in all media; everything from smiling cats to garden trellises. "We sell pieces that are decorative, as well as pieces that put the 'fun' in functional!" says Robin Mackintosh, another artist-member. "We are known for the color, the whimsical charm and variety of artwork we display."

Currently looking for:

"artists possessing unique talents who exhibit original expressions in their work," says Mackintosh

Prime customers:

ages 20 and up

Signature crafts:

The gallery is known for its giftware, such as mosaic glass work, intricate polymer clay cats, vintage-embellished soft-sculpture folk art dolls, handmade paper block prints, colorful felted-wool hats, sentimental heirloom keepsakes, whimsical ceramic-doll clothes, handmade paper children and pets in shadowbox frames, functional baskets, whimsical painted furniture and accessories, bold, brightly painted glassware.

Exhibitions:

There are five theme shows held throughout the year in February, April, July, September and November. Past themes have been Maid In Form, a bra show; Return to Sender, an Elvis show; and Beyond Barbie, a doll and accessory show. "We love to come up with unique shows which make our customers curious about the themes and what they can expect to see during the show," says Mackintosh. Artists can participate in the 30-day show if their creations enhance the theme and have unique, imaginative qualities.

Artists are found through:

many places like the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Plaza Art Fair and by word of mouth. The gallery owners prefer that artists submit a written application and always appreciate recommendations from other artists.

Pricing:

$5-$500

GALLERY OWNERS:

Would you like your gallery to be considered for inclusion in Gallery Profiles? If you are looking to attract new artists and new work, and you have professional slides or transparencies of your gallery, send your background information and images to: The Crafts Report attention: Kirsten Coughlin 300 Water St. Wilmington, DE 19801.

Purchase/consignment:

Eclectics Gallery is consignment only. The split is 60/40.

Best-selling price points:

$40-$125

Gallery size:

700 square feet. "For a tiny gallery, we pack a big punch," states artist-member Pete Dulin. The gallery's visual signature is bright lavender walls, which the owners say offer customers a relaxed, comfortable feeling.

Number of artists currently represented:

12 artist-members and about 18 consignment artists

Non-craft items sold:

none

Services offered to customers:

gift-wrapping, custom pieces, commissions, layaway, gift certificates. As a service to the community, the gallery has a mentoring program and works with local elementary school art departments so that students can create artwork which relates to exhibit themes, display and sell it at Eclectics during a show. Eclectics also helps raise money for the Kansas City Symphony by decorating a room in the Junior League's Designer Showhouse.

Gallery location:

a bit off the beaten path; the gallery is a "destination location," say the artist-members

To submit work to the gallery:

Send slides and/or photos along with the gallery's written application. The gallery juries potential artists on the first Tuesday of each month and contacts artists within that week.

Why selling crafts:

"We love to create our art in all the amazing forms it takes," says Mackintosh. "Interaction with the clientele is not only joyful, but inspires us to return to our studios and create even more. After eight years in business, we are proud to be a growing part of the region's artistic community."

Isenberg adds, "We have been successful because people really appreciate that when they walk in to the store, they will find quality, one-of-a-kind items. They also appreciate that we are a co-op and there are no employees, just the members who all work at the store."

Kirsten Coughin is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.

OCTOBER 1999:

| HOME | TABLE OF CONTENTS |