Rebranded Arts Co-op Ready to Shine in Chippewa Falls
Bridge Street store has new look and name but maintains stunning local artwork
Lynnette Busch, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
When a few original members of the Chippewa Falls-based gallery wanted a change, the 12 artists of Bridge Street Arts & Gifts Cooperative (304 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) took the idea in stride. “It seemed like the perfect time to create something uniquely ours,” said local firework artist, Alex Mooney Jones. Formerly known as Valley Art Gallery, the business has been transformed into a co-op, with a new logo and name created by the artists themselves.
The shop has undergone some key changes, reorganizing internally to accommodate the various 2D and 3D mediums of art used by the artists. Each artist at Bridge Street Arts & Gifts has their own unique form, from Mooney Jones’ canvases colored by fireworks, Sandra Churness’ Batiks (wax resist-dyed fabrics or notecards), Mary Decker’s fiber art, and Barb Hand’s rocks, to paintings, stained glass, photographs, and much more.
"it seemed like the perfect time to create something uniquely ours."
alex mooney jones
local artist
Bridge Street Arts & Gifts Co-op’s new logo portrays a half sun over a bridge and water on a white background. “The logo represents the many bridges around our downtown area along with a nod to our street name … the new logo also represents a revitalization of downtown,” Mooney Jones said. The shop’s new name also reflects a similar sentiment, highlighting their place in Chippewa Falls.
Being formally identified as a co-op gives the 12 artists an equal part in operating the store. A joint effort into community success, these artists have collaborated their desire to share art with their community.
“I was hoping the rebrand would give us the chance to get our name out more and introduce more local residents to our gallery,” Mooney Jones said. Open under a new name since May, the co-op’s rebranding will be on full display on Saturday, Nov. 4, at a Grand Opening event held in-store. Artist demonstrations, a gift basket raffle, and red sticker sales will be held from 10am-4pm.
Learn more about Bridge Street Arts & Gifts on their Facebook page or join the email list to hear about new classes and events: bridgestreetcooperative@gmail.com.
