Pocahontas County Arts Coop Looking For Artists For Marlinton Gallery

Marlinton, WV – Perhaps it’s something in the air, or just being able to draw so much inspiration from the beauty that is the Allegheny Highlands – whatever the reason, Pocahontas County has its fair share of talented artists, many of whom display their creations at the Pocahontas County Artisans Coop in Green Bank. The non-profit gallery, in business since 2007, is now expanding to Marlinton, and they’re seeking new artists to join the group.

Current members of the coop, as well as some possibly interested in joining gathered at the library in Marlinton last week for an informational meeting. Mike Garrigan told the group a little about the genesis of the artisans coop and the Marlinton site.

“We started it actually in the coffee shop at Dirt Bean talking about how we as artisans could get together and to further our work and have a place to sell and have a place to sell out items” he says. “We had meetings here in Marlinton; we were fortunate to find a place up in Green Bank. We now have an opportunity here in Marlinton to open up a gallery down here. This is leading us to explore the possibility of the new members to join down here.”

The future home of the Marlinton gallery is the old Rambler building near the corner of Rt 39 and 4th avenue across from the Marlinton Depot. Coop members are hard at work fixing it up and hope to have a soft opening during Pioneer Days in July.

There are some specific requirements for being a member of the artisans coop. You must have a West Virginia business license. That’s because 100% of the proceeds for each sale go back to the artist who’s responsible for all applicable state taxes. Members pay a $30.00 monthly membership fee and agree to work as a retail clerk in the gallery one day a month. The membership benefits include gallery space, a monthly report of all sales and collected sales tax, and a vote in all coop decisions.

The membership fee covers utility costs, rent on the gallery, advertising and other expenses such as the credit card machine. There are currently 18 members in the artisans coop creating everything from jewelry, paintings and baskets to handmade brooms and wrought iron pieces of all kinds. Many of the members also do custom work and are able to advertise through the coop. And the gallery draws visitors from across the county and around the world.

In you’re interested in becoming a member of the Pocahontas County Artisans Coop or would just like a little more information, you can visit their website at www.artisancoop.com.