Meet Village Artisans-Heart of the Business
An interview with Libby Rudolf, Watercolor artist at Village Artisans.
COVER PHOTO INCLUDES:
Pictured: Amy Achor, artist
Art on Display: Leah Mendenhall
Cover Photographer: Karl Yost Photography.
How did your story Begin? What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
Our story began in 1983, when four artists worked together to rent a space and create a cooperative art shop on Xenia Avenue in which to sell their artwork.
The co-op idea was shared with other artists and soon grew to about 15 members, with more on a waitlist. We later moved to our current location at 100 Corry Street, where we now have 20 artists sharing a wonderful gallery space. All of us create our own work and organize our individual spaces.
We host the Annual Art on the Lawn on the second Saturday of August. It serves as a fundraiser and also creates a wonderful opportunity for about 100 artists to sell their work.
What do you love most about owning and running a business in Yellow Springs?
One thing that we love, and that is unique to our location, is that we share the responsibility of making our shop a dynamic and inviting space by regularly bringing in new art creations and hosting themed lobby shows.
“One of our favorite moments is hearing someone exclaim about how beautiful a piece of art is!“
Where do you call home, and how does that community influence the way you do business?
Mostly Yellow Springs. This community is home for us; it’s where we create and present in our various mediums and styles, all with the hope of attracting and inspiring a wide variety of people.
When you’re not working, where is your favorite place to shop, eat, or unwind in Yellow Springs?
All the shops and restaurants…(I – Libby – am answering this on behalf of 20 people.)
What products do people love most – and what makes them special to you?
We have a wide variety of artist-made creations, from woodwork to paintings to glass art and jewelry.
What are the top three things you love most about being a small business owner?
- Being in Yellow Springs.
- The wide variety of people that shop here.
- YS is a happy place.
What is the mission or heart behind your business…the “why” that keeps you going?
The mission of Village Artisans is to sustain and spark interest in the arts by providing a cooperative space where local artists can exhibit and sell their handcrafted work, all at affordable prices, while offering exhibits, demonstrations, and community engagement.
We bring artist-created work to the community while creating meaningful opportunities for other artists. This is our “why”—to share the value of handmade art and to support the artists who make it.
What is the biggest challenge your business is facing right now, and how are you working through it?
One of the biggest challenges that we face is getting people to come visit us and helping them understand that all of the artwork here is created by our artists.
What’s something that people might not know about you or your business that you wish they did?
Everything is made by our 20 artists!
In addition to running this small business, what other hats do you wear?
Many — since there are 20 of us, we all wear multiple hats. In addition to running the gallery, we take on roles like organizing displays, managing events, handling marketing, creating our own artwork, and keeping the co-op running smoothly.
Village Artisans, located at 100 Corry Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, and in operation since 1983, is an artist cooperative featuring the work of 20 local artists across a variety of mediums.
Guided by creativity, collaboration, and the co-op model, Village Artisans is run by its member artists, who share responsibility for maintaining a dynamic and inviting gallery space. Through regular exhibitions, themed lobby shows, and the Annual Art on the Lawn event, the co-op fosters connections between artists and the community while celebrating the uniqueness of handmade, artist-created work.
Visit villageartisans.org.
Heart of the Business cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
Heart of the Business is presented by the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the vibrant stories and unique contributions of local member businesses throughout the village.
Meet The Village Artisans – Heart of the Business
We now have 20 artists sharing a wonderful gallery space. All of us create our own work and organize our individual spaces.
Meet Karl Yost of Karl Yost Photography – Heart of the Business
Most of my work comes from relationships, conversations, and word of mouth, and this community makes that possible.
Meet Alissa Paolella of Elysium Massage – Heart of the Business
Every part of what we do, from our tranquil space to our inclusive values, is about helping people feel comfortable, confident, and cared for exactly as they are.
Meet Tracy Hunt of Turning Inward Counseling – Heart of the Business
I understand how powerful it can be to feel seen and supported, and that’s what keeps me going.
Meet Singapore Seahorse Coin Jewelry – Heart of the Business
This community has encouraged my own personal growth into being fully who I am as an entrepreneur.
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