Chartreuse Artist Gallery, a co-op art gallery in downtown St. Joseph, features the works of local artists and has been a community hub for art since its founding 18 years ago. The co-op group consists of local artists within 50 miles who create a variety of original art, including glass, photography, wood, and fabric. Each artist is brought in by submitting an application and going before the Chartreuse membership committee for an interview. President of the gallery, May Schultz-Reed, tells us how things work.
“We bring that artwork if we decide that it’s quality to be here. We bring it to the membership and everyone gets a vote on if that person should be here or not. It’s very transparent as far as who gets in and who doesn’t and why.”
All 19 artists are from all over Southwest Michigan, including Allegan, Eau Claire, Sodus, and St. Joseph. Each piece of art in the store is handmade by the artist and is uniquely different.
“Most of it is one of a kind, not to say that we don’t have greeting cards and photographs that are duplicates, because again, not everyone wants to spend three or four hundred dollars on an original, but they’d love a print. So we have prints of their artwork and greeting cards as well, lots of greeting cards.”
During operating hours, a different artist works behind the counter greeting customers that come in. If it’s a slower day, the artist will work on a project to put in the store for sale, or complete a custom order. Schultz-Reed says she tells customers new art comes in everyday.
“That’s their opportunity to bring in new work. Sometimes you can stop in and the artist will actually be working on their art. Maybe it’s a kind of a slow day. Or they need to make art and so they’re waiting on customers and then making art in between the customers.”
Schultz-Reed says Chartreuses’ ultimate purpose is promoting local art and activity here in St. Joseph. She noted that what makes the shop so unique is all the artists come together collectively to provide the gallery for the community.
“We all are very vested in the success of the gallery. All of us work very, very hard to have new and creative work for the customers to buy. If you see something, you better snatch it up while it’s here because the next time you come in, it’s going to be gone.”
Current featured artists at Chartreuse include Joel’s Bowls, Catherine’s Creations, Swan Lake Woodworking, and May’s Stained Glass. Schultz-Reed states that the co-op does not permit more than two artists using the same medium to ensure variety and transparency in the gallery. For example, while two artists work with wood, they create different products. Joel’s Bowls, crafted by Joel Mashke from Eau Claire, specializes in hand-turned wooden bowls. In contrast, Swan Lake Woodworking creates custom birdhouses that can feature animal designs.
Chartreuse Art Gallery is located at 304 State Street in Downtown St. Joseph. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or just want to check out some art, the gallery is open to the public seven days a week except for major holidays, from 11 am to 6 p.m.
By Shawn Robinson, MOTM Contributor
