THE CLEVER HAND GALLERY: An Artisans’ Cooperative
52 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
781-235-3272
www.cleverhandgallery.com
The Clever Hand gallery is a long-established, year-round arts and crafts cooperative whose members share work responsibilities and expenses, and informally act as a support group for fellow craftspeople. Many members are full-time professionals who find cooperative stores a welcome addition to wholesaling and craft fairs. It also serves as an excellent test market for new items and prices. Operating expenses are covered by the monthly rent paid by each member, and consignment income.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
A $15 jurying fee is required when applying for membership. Please complete and submit the attached Clever Hand Application. Jurying takes place at the monthly meeting of all members, usually held on the last Monday of each month (except November and December.)
Please submit five to eight finished examples of the types of items you would like to sell in the store. The entire membership will judge them on workmanship, attention to detail, appeal to our customers, originality, price and durability, as well as competition with current members’ items.
WORK OBLIGATIONS:
Each member works three to four 5-hour shifts per month, with extra work shifts in November and December. New members will be trained in the operating procedures.
OTHER OBLIGATIONS:
All members are expected to attend monthly meetings where each person has an equal voice in deciding new policies and procedures and selecting new members. Everyone is expected to serve as an officer or committee member. A new member must agree to stay for a complete year.
EXPENSES WHEN YOU JOIN:
Share in the corporation: $195
First month’s rent: $125
The initial expenses of $195 may be paid in six installments. The first month’s rent must be paid upon joining. This initial investment reflects the member’s financial commitment to the co-op and a commitment to
professionalism in production and retailing.
At the present time each member pays an equal amount of rent ($125) and 15% on sales over $125. This amount is subtracted from the check for your month’s income. During November and December a small surcharge (approximately $10) may be added to your rent for holiday advertising. Upon acceptance, new members will be given more detailed operating policies.
We also accept a limited number of artists for consignment. The application procedure is identical, but the jury requirements are more stringent. No work obligations or expenses for joining are required. Please ask for further details.
Before you apply, please contact one of the jury co-chairs: - Claudia Clark at 508-545-5545 or Teri MacMillan at 617-293-6283
2/29/08
THE CLEVER HAND GALLERY APPLICATION
52 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 781.235.3272
www.cleverhandgallery.com
NAME______________________________________________ART/CRAFT______________________
ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________________
PHONE______________________________E-MAIL___________________@____________________
1. Are you applying for ( ) Membership or ( ) Consignment?
2. How long have you been producing your art/craft?____________________
3. Do you consider your work ( ) full-time or ( ) part-time?
4a. Is any part of your merchandise factory-made? ( ) Yes ( ) No
4b. Is any part of your merchandise hand-crafted by others? ( ) Yes ( ) No
4c. Do you have an apprentice or paid employee assisting you in any part of the production of your work?
( ) Yes ( ) No
If you answered yes to 4a, 4b, or 4c please explain. Use back, if necessary.
5. Please tell us about you and your work, i.e., awards, exhibits, participation in juried or non-juried shows,
craft organizations, educational background, etc. Use back, if necessary.
6. Are you ready to stock immediately? ( ) Yes ( ) No
7. How did you hear about The Clever Hand Gallery?_______________________________________
8. Please list items brought in for jurying.
ITEM PRICE OTHER INFORMATION
1.________________________________________________________________________________
2.________________________________________________________________________________
3.________________________________________________________________________________
4 _________________________________________________________________________________
5._________________________________________________________________________________
6._________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any other items that you intend to sell?
All reasonable precautions will be taken but The Clever Hand Gallery, Inc. is not responsible for theft or
breakage. By signing this application, I accept these conditions.
Signature_____________________________________________________ Date_________________
Please make your $15 check for application payable to The Clever Hand Gallery, Inc.
2/29/08