OASIS Gallery in Harrisonburg, an ACV Affiliate, is seeking to boost one of its most precious assets--the variety of work in its gallery. Artists and artisans are warmly invited to respond to the gallery's special membership offer this fall. OASIS offers the incentive of two months dues-free membership for those who apply by October 1, 2010 and begin exhibiting in November. Artists and artisans also benefit by beginning membership during peak sales months.
The OASIS co-op provides a two-stage jury process to assure that accepted new members are well-qualified in their field, as well as able to meet the gallery's needs. Those needs include media variety and having enough full-time members to staff its 7-day-a-week operation. It celebrates ten years of all-volunteer operation this year.
The concept of the OASIS Gallery is that of a cooperative. All who present work there pay monthly dues and volunteer. Their commission rate is decided based on their choice of how many hours they donate to operations and arts outreach. For example, a person who acts as a docent for 12 hours a month takes home a much larger percentage of their sales than someone who does not work.
OASIS, at 103 S. Main Street in downtown Harrisonburg, is an artists' cooperative founded in the year 2000, with currently 40 juried members who represent a wide range of media, including wood, metal, polymer clay, ceramic, fibers, glass, painting and photography. OASIS is operated by artists and volunteers seven days a week year-round (excepting holidays). Hours are 11am to 5pm Sunday through Thursday, 11am-8pm on Friday, and 10am to noon Saturday. Its programs include opening receptions, music concerts by musician members, participation in First Fridays and gallery walks, arts outreach and an annual gala fundraiser.
The deadline to participate in the special membership offer is October 1st. Applications are available under "Join" at www.oasisartgallery.org or at the gallery. A co-op officer will contact applicants by October 11 with committee feedback and a decision. For more information about the special membership offer, contact
Brenda Fairweather at 540-433-3258, or OASIS Gallery at 540-442-8188.
"We collaborate with other artists, web designers and web promoters which benefits everyone. By working together we can increase productivity and cost savings for our businesses, giving clients a valuable edge in today's marketplace " Mark Barreres at 540-335-8190