The gallery's location on the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall in Boulder's historic downtown district makes it a popular destination year-round.
Boulder Arts & Crafts is one of the oldest artist cooperatives in the United States. Original, quality crafts and fine art, a wide price range, and exceptional customer service have contributed to the longevity of the gallery.
Our membership involvement distinguishes us from other galleries.
The gallery is owned and operated by 45 artist members, whose artwork is featured on this site. We have successfully combined cooperative procedures with increased sales through the years.
Challenged and rewarded by the original cooperative concept, individuals bring their diverse talents and business skills to the organization, and democratically oversee policies and the operation of the store.
Our staff is well informed about crafts and techniques, and skilled at selling our broad range of contemporary art and crafts. Invited to attend studio tours and training sessions, they learn about the artists' work processes. Some of our artist members work in the store, and prove to be highly knowledgeable about the artwork represented in the gallery.
Boulder Arts & Crafts also represents the work of over 150 artists from Colorado, the Rocky Mountain region, and throughout the U.S. Among our decorative, functional and wearable pieces can be found jewelry, pottery, wood, fiber, stained and blown glass, sculpture, painting, prints, photography and more.
2000 marks the 16th year of Boulder Arts & Crafts Visiting Artist Series. Four two-person shows are on our calendar this year, featured prominently in the gallery from late May through early November. These shows highlight the work of nationally recognized artists doing exceptional work at the top of their media.
Boulder Arts & Crafts also features a series of shows that benefit organizations in our local community. Recipients have included Boulder County Safehouse, Boulder County Aids Project, the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, and the Boulder Jewish Community Foundation.
HISTORY OF THE CO-OP
In 1971 two potters who owned a waterbed shop placed an ad in the local newspaper offering exhibition space in their store. Craftspeople were invited to participate for a $5 fee. Those who did were the nucleus of the Boulder Arts & Crafts Cooperative. In 1976 the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall was constructed and the group rented a space there. With more space, they again searched for more members. The Co-op moved to the current 4000 square foot space in 1984. That year membership and sales doubled.
Our location on Pearl Street, the Ehrlich Building, was constructed between 1906 and 1910. It was designed by T.W. Crockett, a Boulder architect who also designed the Citizen's Bank Building and the Earl Building. The historic picture dates from circa 1935.
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Copyright 2000 Boulder Arts & Crafts Cooperative
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