Owned and operated by local, extraordinarily knowledgeable artists—Art Coop has been around since 1971. What started as an artist co-op, eventually transformed itself into an art supply haven for throngs of art students, artists, and art enthusiasts. Now, Art Coop has finally made its nest in the old Baskins location in Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana and they’re ready for a celebration. Are you?
The grand opening of the gallery space begins tonight—7-10 p.m.—the store will take an unconventional approach to a gallery show by displaying fifteen local artists’ private collection of artwork, created by other artists, called “Artists Collect Art.” An idea so completely eclectic, unusual, and random that even co-owner, Susan Smith, doesn’t know what will be on the walls until they begin to display the pieces.
The following day, Saturday September 18, marks the official grand opening. Starting at 8 a.m., gobs of art supplies—like paint, clay, markers and so on—will be opened for the public to have an opportunity to dabble in various media. A few people, like employee and local artist, Jason Patterson, will be working in the store, demonstrating to folks what it is they do (in art, of course). All while origami artist sensation, who folded a thousand paper cranes on a whim, Nora Marino provides instructions to patrons on how to fold one thousand paper cranes (well, okay, just cranes in general; she won’t fold a thousand in a day). Such a generous gesture will hopefully provide the store with good luck in the many years to come at Lincoln Square Mall.
Lots of art supplies will be on deep discount, like the “buy one, get one free” offers on canvas and brushes. There are also “buy two, get one free” offers on Berol art markers, Prismacolor pencils, Rembrandt pastels, and more to be announced.
And finally, tons of sidewalk chalk will be donated to Common Ground Food Co-Op and Amara Yoga & Arts so kids—and adults—can draw on the sidewalks outside those spaces during the Farmer’s Market.
This is a one day only sale and, hopefully a one time only Grand Opening (please stay at Lincoln Square Mall forever, Art Coop!)—so don’t miss out on all the action, interesting artwork, and experimentation with art supplies.
Photos found on Art Coop’s Facebook page. You can visit their Facebook page here.