By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
What started as an idea to paint sunflowers on the windows of downtown buildings in support of Ukraine has turned into something much bigger.
River Essence Group, a nonprofit organization founded to support and social vitality of the Niles community, has opened an artist co-op and gift shop called Art on 2nd inside the REG building at 211 Second Street downtown Niles.
REG President Vikki Jurgonski said the co-op stemmed from a project this summer to paint sunflowers throughout downtown in support of Ukraine.
“I put out a call to any local artist asking if they’d like to paint some sunflowers,” Jurgonski said. “They came out of the woodwork, we had a meeting and they all claimed their spots. It was just really beautiful.”
With the success of the Sunflower Project, Jurgonski wanted to continue working with the artists.
“I said ‘OK, but you’re so good, let’s try to do something here with you,’” Jurgonski said. “So that’s what we did … and collectively we made a store.”
The store features items such as handmade greeting cars, paintings, woodwork, jewelry, clothing, seasonal gift ideas and more – primarily created by area artists. Each vendor pays $25 per month for a small space, and the money goes toward funding REG projects.
“If you can co-op with someone … it’s the new way to go,” Jurgonski said. “No one has the kind of money to pay the rent and utilities and buy all the inventory, so it’s a good thing. … We’re taking the risk together.”
The store hosted its grand opening in September, and Jurgonski said she really wants to use this store as a way to bring more art and artists into the Niles community.
“The artists came together and made this possible,” Jurgonski said. “It’s really, really worked out well.”
Each season, Jurgonski said, the store will feature a seasonal feel and gift ideas. She said snowflakes will soon replace all the sunflowers in the windows, and the shop is getting ready to bring in its Winter-themed art.
Jurgonski said the shop will remain open until next year’s Hunter Ice Festival from Jan. 13-15. After that, she will transition the space to host art classes before returning to the gift shop format in the spring.
Until then, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
“Our prices are reasonable because there’s no middle man jacking it up,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing.
