by Kirsten Coughlin
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Studiolo
by Kirsten Coughlin |
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Gallery: Owners: | |
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Background:
Four women artists seeking a combination of studio and gallery space established Studiolo in November of 1997. When two of the artists left to pursue other interests, John Rauh officially joined metalsmiths Justine Zimmer and Louise Rauh to establish Studiolo as a regional venue for fine art and craft. "We are strongly committed to raising public awareness regarding the value of handcrafted pieces, creating an atmosphere where various disciplines in the arts can converge, and providing a positive experience for both customers and artists," says co-owner Louise Rauh.
Kinds of crafts sold:
contemporary crafts, jewelry, furniture, functional and non-functional ceramics, fiber and metal, with an emphasis on fine workmanship and unique design. Rauh explains, "Most of the pieces sold at Studiolo invite comments or questions. They are noticed. They serve as accent pieces that express a person's taste and individuality. We have a strong jewelry selection, but I would say most of our pieces enhance a living environment."
Currently looking for:
contemporary craft with an emphasis on quality and design; furniture, tableware, unique candleholders, and functional and non-functional glass; gift items for men
Prime customers:
For the most part, the customers are men and women between the ages of 30 and 55, well-traveled and sophisticated; many are local, repeat customers who bring in visiting friends, colleagues and relatives.
Signature crafts:
one-of-a-kind or limited-edition furniture, large- scale functional and non-functional metal and ceramic pieces, home accessories and jewelry
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Exhibitions:
The back section of the gallery is a designated exhibition space. Exhibitions run four to six weeks, and highlight the work of one or two artists or a curated group. In October, Studiolo will host "Different Stokes," 1999 International Juried Woodfire Exhibition. This show is to run in conjunction with an international woodfire conference being held at the University of Iowa. Artists interested in an exhibition should submit a proposal including slides of a cohesive body of work.
Artists are found through:
Most of the artists are found through networking with other artists or customers who refer them to the gallery. The owners also recruit at American Craft Council and regional craft shows, and through advertisements in national publications.
Pricing:
Most of the prices range from $30-$3,000. Artists set the retail price for their work.
GALLERY OWNERS: |
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Purchase/consignment:
The gallery works mainly on a 50/50 consignment basis with some wholesale
purchases.
Best-selling price points:
$90-$500
Gallery size:
approximately 2,000 square feet with about 300 square feet of designated exhibition space
Non-craft items sold:
fine art and a line of manufactured Japanese ceramic dinnerware
Services offered:
free gift-wrapping, gift certificates, gift and bridal registry, layaway, home approval, free delivery, referrals for custom orders, and artist and product information. In the gallery's metalworking studio, private classes are offered at intervals throughout the year. As a community service the gallery offers the space for fund-raisers and gatherings for non-profit organizations. The gallery also has regularly scheduled fiction and poetry readings in conjunction with the University of Iowa Writers Workshop.
Gallery location:
Studiolo is located about four blocks from downtown Iowa City in a high traffic area populated with a variety of restaurants and specialty shops. The gallery occupies a space that was originally a John Deere dealership and most recently was the warehouse for the Asian market next door. The gallery maintains an "industrial look" leaving the high ceilings, large, glazed industrial windows and block walls intact.
To submit work to the gallery:
Work is chosen through a jury process which takes place approximately five times per year. Artists are asked to submit at least five slides or photos with a price list, bio, résumé and artist's statement along with a description of any special process involved in making the work or care that the pieces require. Include a SASE for the return of materials and acceptance or non-acceptance notification. The gallery continually accepts new work, and artists are usually notified within six to eight weeks. Consideration for exhibitions may take longer.
Why selling craft:
"It is simply a pleasure," says Rauh."There is such strength and vitality to a thoughtful, well-made, handcrafted object. The use of functional craft objects, say, a wood-fired ceramic cup, a hand-blown drinking glass or porcelain cereal bowl, gives certain aesthetic pleasure and regularly lifts one from the banality of a largely manufactured society."
Kirsten Coughlin is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.
OCTOBER 1999:
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