Co-Opting the Art Scene

    Recently Eau Claire has become a veritable hotbed of cooperation and development. Projects like the Farmers Market, Phoenix Park, Just Local Food, and others have meshed with a slew of downtown renewal initiatives that have brought variety, culture, sustainability, and business to the area. Starting the first week of February, a new co-op will be injecting the art scene with fresh local goods, ideas, and artwork via their location in the old Sammy’s Pizza at 416 S. Barstow St.

    Tangled Up in Hue will focus emphatically on local, handmade art and merchandise. The venture is headed by Erin Roesler and Jamie Kyser, two local artists who have been involved with handmade arts, crafts, and clothing for years. Kyser and Roesler, previous owners of a Beadopadubop in Oakwood Mall, said that the move and expansion to downtown was the next logical step.

    “I had always wanted to focus on handmade items, but the mall was never quite the right fit for that sort of business,” said Kyser.

    The recent revitalization of the Barstow area encouraged them to enter an environment more conducive to the idea of locally crafted goods and artwork. After considering several business models and getting input from others in the art community, the two decided that a co-op showcasing a variety of local artists was the best path not only for them, but for the community.

    Along with featuring local work, Tangled Up in Hue will also be a viewable and accessible art studio. Both Kyser and local glassblower DJ Stewart will be on-hand during business hours, blowing glass items and taking custom orders. Space for ceramic work, pottery, tye-dying, painting, and jewelry making will also become available, with eventual hopes of being able to host workshops and art classes for those looking to get involved.