The Hotel Jerome, built in 1917, is one of the first buildings you see when you pull into the former mining town turned tourist destination. It’s located on the right side of AZ-89A just as the road splits. And tucked inside the building, you’ll find a gallery that epitomizes the unique, artistic, DIY spirit of the town of Jerome. The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery opened its doors in 1996 and then expanded four years later to its current size. Wander through the gallery’s numerous alcoves and niches, and you’ll find paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, glass, mixed media, wood and gift items from approximately 34 artists. Most are based out of Jerome, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Sedona and the Verde Valley, says Rex Peters, the gallery’s manager.
“When this space became available – there was a different gallery here before us – it gave a small group of artists the reason to move forward with creating a cooperative gallery,” says Rex, who’s been part of the co-op since the beginning. “The building is owned by the town of Jerome, which has language in its charter about supporting the arts. I think we had 20 artists in the beginning, and that expanded when we expanded.” All of the artists represented by the gallery are members and thus part owners of the co-op. This means they take turns working the sales floor, giving shoppers the opportunity to interface directly with the artists. Rex, a wood turner, says he’s made repeat customers through this approach. Then there’s the panoramic view of the Verde Valley and Sedona from the gallery’s back windows. “It lets us keep an eye on you guys in Sedona,” says Rex, chuckling.
The gallery hosts art receptions the first Saturday of each month during the Jerome Art Walk. This month, meet glass artist Mark Lucas on June 2. His work will be on display through July 7. (The gallery features a new artist every few months and rotates the displays every six months.) On July 7 through Aug. 4, stop in for the midsummer membership show. All co-op members are juried into the organization, and turnover is rare, says Rex. For details about joining, visit www.jeromecoop.com.– Erika Ayn Finch. Photo by Mark Foltz.
(928-639-4276)
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