HOLYOKE – The launch of a new art store and gallery, The Artery, comes this month and will run throughout 2023 to feature original and remade works crafted by a diverse array of regional talent.

The new shop on 289 High St. comes in continuation of transformative development initiatives and rapid recovery tourism efforts to attract more visitors to downtown. The city of Holyoke in collaboration with the Greater Holyoke Chamber, and Print Shop Inc. will be opening The Artery. A grand opening event is planned for Oct. 14.

“We are excited to see this project coming together. Our focus on tourism is supporting the economic development and future of the city,” said Director of Planning and Economic Development Aaron Vega. “We are excited to invite people to come visit The Artery and see for themselves the exciting things happening downtown.”

The Artery is described as an assorted marketplace curating an eclectic mix of original and remade works of art and artisan products from Holyoke and Western Massachusetts’ most creative makers. Shoppers will find unique, handcrafted, up cycled and refinished pieces across a wide variety of disciplines and range of prices including one-of-a-kind paintings and sculpture.

The space will regularly feature local and visiting artists, hold openings and community events, and offer programming, workshops and activities. Also serving as an ad hoc tourism office, the Artery will promote and direct patrons to the other stores, galleries, studios, restaurants and interesting spaces that can be visited while in the area.

The project has been initially funded by a Massachusetts Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) grant managed by the Economic Development Council of Western Mass. Organizers continue to seek additional grant funding and sponsorships for startup and operating expenses.

Through working with Arrow Properties Inc., organizers have secured the location for six months with plans to renew as earned revenue and additional funding allows.

The Artery itself will be managed by Print Shop Inc., a Holyoke nonprofit running the DIY marketspace and classroom at 62 Main St. The Print Shop’s Executive Director Jeff Bianchine has years of experience popping up vendor fairs and retail storefronts downtown in Holyoke since 2013. Bianchine was the former Creative Economy Industries Coordinator for Holyoke.

“I think not for lack of imagination, but I do think just the idea of a pop up and the arts kind of go hand in hand, so I think that was pretty easy for the city to sort of like drum up in their mind of what to do here,” said Bianchine.

Bianchine added that having a bunch of local artists who already have products and brands creates a partnership with them as the shop will serve as a platform for artists and their local work.

“We’re giving them a chance for visibility at a way more reduced rate than a typical gallery which would want more and would be way more curated,” Bianchine said. “We’re more accessible because we’re in the city and we’re nonprofit so we’re really trying to get everyone from emerging to established artists a chance.”

Many of the maker members producing some of their work at the Print Shop will be featured in The Artery. The nonprofit has also incorporated into its mission an involvement with civic event organization, placemaking and tactical urbanism activities to spur transformative development.

“We are thrilled to be helping with this. Arrow Properties has been great getting the space ready, and there is plenty of time to get the word out there for the holidays this year,” said Bianchine, citing the rushed and short nature of pop-up in the past. “I am looking forward to making this one stick.”

Expectations for this addition to the downtown scene are to increase foot traffic and introduce more people to the new and exciting projects and businesses in Holyoke. According to Bianchine, The Artery will also provide activities and programming as they have extra space in the shop.

“You’ll be able to come in and make a painting, go get a taco, have a drink, and see a show all in one night down here. That’s already happening down here, and we need to get people aware of that,” Bianchine said.

The shop’s location will be adjacent to Crave, a popular Holyoke restaurant, food truck and catering business known for their fresh and clever approach to hybrid cuisine. Owner and head chef Nicole Ortiz shared that she was looking forward to Crave’s new neighbors.

“We’re elated to have this new art and culture hub right next door to our brick and mortar. This is something that downtown Holyoke has desperately needed for so long. We look forward to partnering with the space in any way possible,” Ortiz said.

If you are interested in selling your work to the Artery, visit www.holyokeart.com and register your work or contact artery@holyokeart.com with any questions.