For 35 years, a group of local artists and artisans have managed to survive economic downturns, slow winter seasons, and even a pandemic.
Fueled by their incessant creative efforts, members of the Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative are celebrating their 35th anniversary with a public reception from 6-8 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 1, at the downtown gallery at 121 Main St., Gloucester. The reception will offer wine, music, hors d’oeuvres and, of course, art of all kinds.
The current 15 members want to thank the community for its support over the decades.
Stained glass artist Donna Amero, the single remaining member of the original group, recalled how the gallery started as a pop-up shop in the fall of 1989. It’s draw was and is that all its items are hand-made locally.
That first group of 13 artists formed Local Colors and set up shop for two months for the holiday season, attracting those looking for a gift or something to add a splash of color to their home.
“Little did we know how long our project would endure,” Amero said.
In the early years, the gallery had a couple of different Main Street locations, but in the wake of a fire in 2001, the group moved to its current and longtime storefront.
The second long-standing member is Kathy Bucholska, a jeweler and mixed-media artist and a member for 34 years. She began by designing amulets and jewelry telling the “story” of the stones, fossils and found objects and later added mixed media.
She said one of the highlights for her has been the camaraderie among the members. For many artist members, that connection is an added benefit.
David Katz, a professionally trained photographer, found just that when he was looking for a place to display his photographs.
“More than just a place to continually show my work, this cooperative has provided me with a community of inspiring, encouraging artists that has had a positive impact on me, both personally and professionally, over the past nearly 25 years,” Katz said.
Mary Woodall-Jappe, a fused glass artist member, echoed that sentiment.
“I love being a member of this co-op, a friendly and supportive group of amazing artists whose beautiful and varied work continually inspires me to keep creating,” she said.
Recently, Woodall-Jappe had a work commissioned by the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, which was unveiled during a public reception last July.
Photographer Jim Sousa came to know the gallery 15 years ago when he saw the “Artist Wanted” sign in the window. He inquired, applied, and was accepted into the gallery.
Another member of 20 years, Ann Schlecht, a jeweler, had a similar experience.
“Twenty years ago, I happened upon Local Colors by accident and soon found myself filling out an application for membership. I didn’t know much about Gloucester at that time as I lived about 20 minutes away and didn’t travel there often,” she said.
“Six years ago, I was finally able to move to ‘the island.’ Gloucester has such a rich history. For our 35th anniversary, I decided to make fish pendants, with local beach stones, to honor the historic fishing industry of Gloucester.”
Some of the longer-standing artists noted that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gallery was fortunate to have new members join, and with them come an array of mediums. Among them are Perry McIntosh, a watercolorist, and Susan Alvey, a fiber artist.
Photographer Melissa Cox said she is honored to be part of the group, adding that Local Colors was a starting point for such local celebrated artists as Jon Sarkin, Larry Bittman, Judy Plank and Chris Williams.
If the gallery’s history is any indication, there are likely to be many others in the years to come.
Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-675-2706, or [email protected].