INTRODUCTION
In June of 1996, the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) was created by sixteen local artists for artists. Our artists all have a vested interest in having a successful operating gallery. Since then, the gallery has more than doubled in square footage and the membership averages around 35 local artists. Working as a team, the dedicated artists are the foundation of the gallery’s success.
Jerome attracts tourists due to its rich mining history and beautiful scenic views of the Verde Valley. The Jerome Chamber of Commerce estimates that a million tourists come through Jerome annually from all over the world. The gallery is an art community, members supporting sales of one another’s arts. While working the front desk, our members meet interesting people as well as learning a lot about the different mediums of art. The gallery receives high praise on the variety and quality of displayed art, which in turn, creates repeat customers and referrals. Our members take pride and get enjoyment in belonging to the gallery.
GALLERY OPERATIONS
The gallery is basically a democracy and operated by committees, handling all aspects of running the gallery. Active participation by all members in one or more committees is essential to the continued success of our gallery. Each committee reports their activities at the monthly General Meeting and members are kept up-to-date and vote on major issues, therefore every member is required to attend the General Meetings.
JURY COMMITTEE
The jury committee continuously accepts new member applications and reviews them at their monthly meetings. In reviewing the submitted photographs, the Jury Committee decides if the art meets the gallery standards. The applicant is either scheduled for further consideration with a “viewing appointment” or is denied; written notifications are sent to the applicants.
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
- Membership is only open to artists who are permanent residents in the areas of Jerome, Sedona, Prescott, and the Verde Valley, and does not exceed a 50-mile drive from their residence to the gallery in Jerome. Members must participate in the daily operations of the gallery which includes working shifts, serving on a committee, and attending the monthly General Meetings. Applications from outside this geographic area will not be considered.
- The gallery showcases the artwork of local artists who want to take an active role in the Jerome arts community and requires the applicant be the sole originator of their artwork, that the artwork be original, recent, handmade, and different from other artwork at the gallery that are currently showing.
- Applicant must submit a completed application along with a $10.00 check and with 5 photographs of their artwork. Please do not leave artwork at the gallery. Applications without the check and/or photographs will not be considered.
- Applicant must supply their own floor display and/or wall accessories (i.e., wall racks, bins). Prior to purchasing or building a display, the plans must be approved by the Display Committee. If the applicant has a floor/wall display
s, please submit a picture and measurements with your application.
APPLICANT’S “VIEWING APPOINTMENT”
- Applicant shall only bring in 5 to 7 original artworks to be reviewed at the appointment. Please be prepared to answer the Jury Committee questions, as well as ask questions you may have about the gallery’s operations.
- Applicants will receive written notification on whether the applicant was approved or denied. Approved applicants will be placed on a “Wait List” and will be notified when a space becomes available that accommodates their artwork. It is unpredictable how long it will take.
BECOMING A MEMBER
- The gallery Manager will contact the approved new member from the Jury Committee’s “Wait List” and set up a meeting date to go over policies and procedures.
- The new member is assigned to serve on the Special Events Committee. The Chairperson will assign the committee hours to be worked at Art Walk on the 1stSaturday of each month.
- The new member is required to work four 4-hour shifts (16 hours) a month in the gallery.
- The Gallery Manager will instruct the new member how to submit a monthly work shift schedule request to the scheduler.
- Sales desk training will be provided for all new members.
- Rent is based on the wall or floor space size and is due on the first of each month. Sales check may be withheld if rent is late.
- Each artist provides their own display shelf/cabinet which must be approved by the Display Committee prior to installation and any additions or changes to the display thereafter; and the artist is responsible for keeping a clean display.
- New members must pay a one-time membership fee of $100.00. After a six-month probationary period, new members in good standing may be invited to join the LLC and become fellow owners of the Jerome Artists' Cooperative. If for any reason you leave the Jerome Artists' Cooperative Gallery in the future the $100.00 will be returned to you.
- The Jerome Artists Cooperative LLC receives a 20% commission on all retail sales made in or referred by the gallery or its web site.
- All members must attend a monthly general meeting to keep up to date on gallery business. In addition, members must participate in one or more committees, which may require up to four hours or more of their time each month.
- Membership in the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is a privilege and comes with certain expectations and responsibilities. This is a great place to sell your work, but members must never forget that they are the ones expected to keep the business running.
Download the Membership Application below.