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NEIGHBORHOOD ARTISANS NETWORK: HELPING ARTISTS GROW THEIR BUSINESSES By Jennifer Marshall driveway before progressing to various other public

Michelangelo sculpted the famous Pietà when dedication paid off when she secured their current he was only 24, and Grandma Moses started prime location. painting in her 70s—proving that you’re never too young or too old to achieve your artistic “It all came together when Genesis Church granted dreams. Dreams are attainable. Transform them into us the use of their parking lot at 32nd Street and your life’s work, and enjoy the passion and success Thunderbird Road,” said Jorgenson. that spring from doing what you love. Dreams, though, require hard work and discipline, they do ask for a nominal fee to use their restrooms. and it’s often more challenging for those pursuing In fact, this is all the artisans must pay; they aren’t careers in the arts to convert their talent into dollars. charged any other fees to show their handmade items. However, thanks to Gwen Jorgenson and her Neighborhood Artisans Network, Phoenix artists now Location really is everything, especially when you’re have a unique and amazing opportunity to showcase next door to the “very popular” Original Breakfast their work. Jorgenson provides the location, and House. with the Network’s growing popularity and clientele, venues. Then, in 2017, all of her diligence and Genesis doesn’t charge them to use their lot. However, crafters have the perfect marketplace in which to turn “We receive a lot of foot traffi c from the restaurant,” their creations into profi ts. said Jorgenson, “and we promote them just by being there. Original Breakfast House is such a busy place. Variety is the spice of life, so she doesn’t duplicate Jorgenson, who’s always wanted to be an artist, began From about 8:00 a.m. on, there is always a line.” any art form. Jorgenson has designed every aspect painting in her 40s. Like all creative types, she longed to be professional. The artisans are required to meet to sell her work and develop a customer base. Most October through April, the Neighborhood Artisans specifi c standards in terms of the quality of their artisans depend on craft booths at festivals to help host their show one Saturday per month from 8:00 artwork and its exhibition. establish their reputation and grow their following. a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with two in December. According Festivals are typically annual events, and even if an to Jorgenson, the group is comprised of local artists “This isn’t your ordinary craft show where anyone artist attends several different ones throughout the representing the following art forms: can display,” said Jorgenson. “This is a handpicked year, they may not provide suffi cient customer contact • Toffee and Cookies group of independent operating artisans who’ve met to elevate them from hobbyist to professional artisan. • Wood Burning Signs the criteria and made the commitment to attend the • Upcycled Rusty Gold - Lamps and Signs events.” In order for an artist to realize steady money, their • Jams and Preserves craft must be worked like any other small business. • Barnwood Signs Admission is always free, so shop their remaining Understanding that artists need the consistency of • Pottery shows this season: February 16, March 16 regular shows, Jorgenson devised a program where • Spoon Jewelry and April 20. Check out their Facebook page: artists could display their handmade works and • Woven Table Runners Neighborhood Artisans, and if you’re an artist exercise their entrepreneurial spirit. • Fractal Gourds & Furniture who is interested in showing, email them at: • Leather Purses & Pouches NeighborhoodArtisansNetwork@gmail.com. “I realized that I knew plenty of other artists—enough • Folk Art Carvings to start my own craft show,” said Jorgenson. • Hand Crocheted Hats “To build a following, we must have quality shows,” • Wire Wrapped Serving Pieces said Jorgenson, “and having them in the same location And that’s exactly what she did. The Neighborhood • Aprons and Accessories helps create that following. By fall 2019, I anticipate Artisans Network hosted its initial show in her • Acrylic Flow Painting we’ll have twice as many vendors at each event.”

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