“Celebrate with us!”

The Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery kicks off its 20^th Anniversary Celebration on May 7th, during Jerome’s First Saturday Art walk, from 5-8 pm. 

In 1996, a small group of local artists dreamed of having a place of their own to showcase their work. Through the concerted efforts of local artists and local business supporters, their dream quickly became a reality when the town of Jerome offered the newly forming Co-op, the ground floor of the historic Hotel Jerome as their storefront. The Co-op has been a resident tenant ever since; growing, expanding, and sharing colorful local art with the Jerome community and its visitors for the past 20 years.

Victoria Norton celebrates her own personal journey as a long-time member of the Jerome Co-op with her new tryptic in clay, entitled, “Abstract Celebration.”  Ms. Norton’s intention to stretch her limits demonstrates what is possible for a Co-op member. Stretching and growing is encouraged in the Co-op environment so that artists are kept engaged, and patrons enthralled.

Marjorie Claus celebrates her membership in the Co-op as a batik artist by referencing her Indonesian roots where she first learned batik. She chose to depict a Balinese Barong, a mythological character, which symbolizes the Force for Good. Marjorie comments, “The Co-op has endured many struggles over the years. Our members are resilient, and the Force for Good at the Co-op always win out!”

Sid Freeman, calligrapher, celebrates her participation in the Co-op with, “Together,” from her new series of “narrative paintings.” In “Together” Ms. Freeman explores the notion that the words “he, she and we,” written calligraphy-style in a painting can visually express their meanings.  In “Together,” Ms. Freeman uses a mix of spirals and other symbols that represent the Co-op’s 20 year history of growth and change as our members have worked together to make the Co-op what it is today.

“Celebrate with us!” is a diverse showing of artwork from 35 members. A reception for the artists will be held May 7 (Art Walk) from 5-8pm. Entertainment will be provided by the notorious John Ziegler and Sally Stricker Duo, who incorporate into their performances a wide variety of influences that range from standard and contemporary folk and pop to more obscure cabaret and ethnic stylings.  “Celebrate with us!” will be a festive event you won’t want to miss!

“Celebrate with us!” runs May 7-June 29.

Open Daily 10am – 6pm.

Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 502 Main St.