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A New Kind of Art Community

Revelstoke has always been a place where creative people thrive. Musicians, sculptors, photographers, and painters have long found inspiration in its landscape and history. However, being an independent artist comes with challenges, from finding an audience to managing costs. The Local Art Co-op was built to address those problems, giving artists a shared space to display their work, connect with others, and sell directly to the public.

The Co-op is not a traditional gallery where a single curator decides what is displayed. The artists themselves make the decisions. They share responsibilities, from running the storefront to organizing events. It is a different approach to selling art, one that puts control back into the hands of the creators while also making local work more accessible to the community.

How It Started

The idea of an artist-run cooperative in Revelstoke is not new. More than a decade ago, Art First! was formed by a group of local artists who wanted a space where they could showcase their work without dealing with commercial gallery commissions. That model proved successful, and it laid the groundwork for similar projects.

The Local Art Co-op was formed with the same principles in mind but with a broader focus. It transformed the former Malones Confectionery space into something that reflects Revelstoke’s modern art scene. Artists of all disciplines work together to ensure that the space is constantly changing, keeping the experience fresh for visitors and giving creators a way to showcase new work.

The Artists and Their Work

The co-op is home to painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists, and mixed-media artists. Some of them are full-time professionals; others are just beginning their careers. Each member contributes to the collective in different ways, whether by displaying their work, organizing events, or helping to run the shop.

Acrylic and oil painters bring landscapes and abstract pieces to the space, while photographers capture everything from mountain scenes to urban textures. Woodworkers and ceramicists add a tactile element with handcrafted items that blend form and function. Each artist brings a distinct perspective, but together, their work forms a complete picture of Revelstoke’s creative community.

What Makes the Co-op Different

Unlike a conventional gallery, The Local Art Co-op does not take a large percentage of each sale. Artists share costs and responsibilities, ensuring that more of the revenue goes directly to those who create the work. This model makes it easier for emerging artists to start selling their pieces and provides established artists with a sustainable way to reach customers.

The shared space also creates opportunities for collaboration. Artists can learn from each other, exchange ideas, and work on projects together. Customers benefit from this approach by meeting the artists, asking questions, and seeing new work regularly.

Challenges and Future Plans

Running a co-op comes with its own difficulties. Because the space is artist-run, responsibilities need to be divided fairly, and members must balance their own creative work with the needs of the business. Financial sustainability is another challenge, as the group must cover costs without relying on outside funding.

The co-op plans to expand its outreach by including more artists and offering new types of events. There is also interest in developing partnerships with other local businesses and organizations to strengthen Revelstoke’s overall art scene. The goal is to keep evolving while staying true to the collaborative spirit that made the co-op successful in the first place.

Why It Matters

The Local Art Co-op is not just a place to buy art. It is where artists take control of their work, the community can connect with local creators, and new ideas are always being explored. By operating outside the traditional gallery model, the co-op provides an alternative that benefits artists and customers.

For those looking to support local art, visiting the co-op is a direct way. The work is unique, the artists are approachable, and the experience frequently changes. Whether someone is looking to buy, learn, or appreciate what Revelstoke’s artists have to offer, The Local Art Co-op is the place to do it.