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Young artist weaves work of entrepreneurial enterprise |
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Sarah Gallagher, 19, displays a piece of her hemp and glass bead collection currently for sale at World Peace Beads and Glass Emporium -- a co-op of 10 artists -- located on School Street.
Reminder Publications photo by George Skovera
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By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
WESTFIELD -- Over the past several months, 19-year-old Sarah Gallagher has woven the threads of her life and her art into one cohesive work of entrepreneurial enterprise.
The success of initial sales of her hemp creations at the Tea Pot Gallery on Elm Street spawned an entirely new business in January. World Peace Beads and Glass Emporium on School Street is a co-op of 10 artists, managed by Gallagher.
"This is not your 'run of the mill' bead store," she said during an interview with Reminder Publications, adding that artists display works of various mediums and are present one day a week to teach their craft.
Gallagher explained that each of the 10 artists rent space for $30 per month, are required to work at least four hours per week and donate a percentage of each sale back to the co-op. She noted that beads are also available for purchase and in-house beading.
Gallagher's "La Bela Vert" collection of hemp and glasswork illustrates the evolution of her craft from hemp into learning how to blow glass.
Tea Pot Gallery owner Gerry Tracy -- a member and facilitator of the co-op -- explained that by working with Gallagher he has helped to establish an environment for the arts to flourish downtown.
"It's so hard for [young] artists to come up with seed money for a place of their own, but in groups we can make it work," he said, adding that he hopes others will join the co-op.
Sixteen-year-old Westfield resident Nicole Burelle said she became involved with World Peace Beads and Glass Emporium after successfully selling her hemp accessories at the Tea Pot Gallery.
"I want to relay the message that using hemp is a good way to conserve and it's a good way to live -- it's healthy and natural," she said, adding that beading is a good way for her to relieve stress.
Burelle explained that business was slow during the first month but has picked up since January. She said she does not measure her success by dollars and cents -- a profit is simply an added bonus to the joys of her work.
Gallagher noted that the co-op is not comprised of just young artists but people of all ages and artistic mediums.
"I love the way we've all come together [there's] no generation gap," Karen Hendrickson, a member of the co-op, said.
She added that they come together for the love of art and collaboration.
Other works displayed at World Peace Beads and Glass Emporium include those using felt, metal, wire or glass to create slippers, belts, bags and jewelry.
Gallagher noted that show space is still available for artists interested in becoming members of the co-op. Those interested can contact her via e-mail at WorldPeaceBeads@hotmail.com.
World Peace Beads, 4 School St., is open Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m.
For more information about the co-op visit their Facebook profile, here or their Myspace profile here.
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