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.

    “We wanted it to be very accessible,” said Roesler. “We felt it was very important that peoplecould come and be directly involved in what was going on, that the space could become more than just another retail business.”

One of the advantages of focusing on the communal aspects of art is the encouragement it gives not only to established artists, but those who have wanted to get started in a particular field. By seeing that their work can be displayed, sold, and seriously considered in a legitimate, public space gives a sense to those pursuing their art that it has a practical application. Tangled Up in Hue will give an opportunity for recognition and exposure to artists who before may not have had that chance.

Every month an artist will be featured and have their work throughout the store along with a meet and greet in which people will be able to interact and ask questions. The first featured artist will be Steve Bateman, a local who you may remember created the giant swan outside Banbury Place, rocked the International Snow Sculpting Competition, and has been involved with a number of other art-related projects around Eau Claire. His showing, entitled Heartwork A-Z, will coincide with the grand opening celebration on Feb. 7.

With a community focus and a different take on what a business can be, Tangled Up in Hue looks to add a great deal to the continual revamping of the Barstow area. Local artists will sell on consignment, and other projected prices will range from $3 to $50 on average, promising an affordable source of art, clothing, and jewelry. With aims to prove that art is for, and potentially by, everyone, Roesler and Kyser hope to make an impact on the constantly evolving downtown atmosphere.

    Tangled Up in Hue Grand Opening • Feb. 7 • 416 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 5-9pm • FREE • 855-0090