Artisans' Guild Gallery

History:

The origins of the Artisans' Guild Gallery go back to October 1970, a time when there were few opportunities for local artists and crafts people to display and market their work. Miriam Greenfield, a local potter, teamed with Jim Brown, a University of Florida economics and sociology professor, and author of a book entitled The Troika Incident (about cooperative artisans' markets), to brainstorm the concept of a Gainesville artisans cooperative.  Other local artists were asked to join in the discussion and soon, the local "Artisans' Guild" was born.

The initial core of 27 artists came together to create the gallery.  Requirements for joining were quite relaxed: a small membership fee and the ability to work 4 to 8 hours a month. The first location of the guild was an old, vacant store downtown that was scheduled for demolition. The building's impending demise allowed the new cooperative to rent it from month-to-month for a nominal fee. Along with the cigar box cash register and rickety old table and chair for a sales counter, this was the guild's first home for the first 2 years. In the beginning, it was furnished with orange crates, wire spools, recycled lumber and other found objects. What the furnishings lacked in sophistication, they made up for in character. The grand opening featured homemade bread, cider and live music by member Doug Dewey.

The guild has moved 6 times since 1970, including the last move to Millhopper Square in October 2006. With each move, the guild has improved in the quality of work and gallery aesthetics. The requirements for joining have become more stringent, with an emphasis on originality and craftsmanship.