D/M Overstreet on tue 19 jan 99
I am planning on opening a co-op studio in the very western suburbs of
Chicago in the spring of 2001. Does anyone have ideas on how to locate
other artists who might be interested? I am loosely connected with the
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, but that is about 25 miles from
where I want to be based. Also, any ideas on "what to know" about
co-ops would be appreciated. thanks
Pat Colyar on thu 21 jan 99
Oh, Lordy, where do I start...
Having been a member of one pottery co-op for the past ten years and
member of various co-ops and collectives during the 70's and 80's, I
feel qualified to offer guidance on this. I've been mulling over how to
respond to Standing Bear's similar request recently about forming a
co-op, and if you email me your postal addresses I'll send you written
material.
In 25 words or less, my strongest suggestion would be for the founding
group to get your collective goals and expectations clear. Spend as much
time as necessary to clarify what it is you all want, what you agree on,
and get it down on paper.
Suggestion # 2: Make rules when everyone's getting along well to deal
with situations that will arise when things go bad. It's awful trying to
decide on the correct process when people are at each others' throats.
Suggestion #3: What always, and I mean always happens, is that you
have a core group of people, usually the Founders, who do more work,
show up for more meetings, take more responsibility for seeing that
things get done, than more peripheral people. These folks can easily
turn into monsters or martyrs or both. See that these people get respect
for their effort, that they don't get trashed as power-hungry by the
people who are to lazy to volunteer for things, and that there is a
clear access route to power for newcomers who want to take on more
responsibility. I suggest automatic rotation of responsibilties, so
everyone gets a chance to see what it feels like being the one in
charge. Create a safe atmosphere for people to disagree.
I could go on and on, but I'm having flashbacks to memorable meetings
I've survived! Been there, done that, keep getting suckered into doing
it again..
Good luck! Pat Colyar in Gold Bar, Washington
Barbara Lewis on thu 21 jan 99
Some ideas I have include placing an ad in Ceramics Monthly, checking with
local co-op galleries that might feature work of local artists, checking
local art centers. You could check with Studio Potter Network about how to
organize. They might be helpful. Baltimore Clayworks is another excellent
source. There are all kinds of arrangements that could be made, depending
on what your definition of co-op is. The NCECA Conference would be a good
place to start. Post an announcement on the bulletin board, do some
networking. If you are planning on offering classes, those students may
become members of your co-op. Good luck, Barbara
At 05:02 PM 1/19/99 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I am planning on opening a co-op studio in the very western suburbs of
>Chicago in the spring of 2001. Does anyone have ideas on how to locate
>other artists who might be interested? I am loosely connected with the
>School of the Art Institute of Chicago, but that is about 25 miles from
>where I want to be based. Also, any ideas on "what to know" about
>co-ops would be appreciated. thanks
>
Wellspring Clayworks
5412 Well Spring Road
La Plata, MD 20646
blewis@crosslink.net
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