News Flash

Local artists and craftsmen in varying media will soon have the opportunity to market their work through a program initiated by the City’s Office of Economic Development.

The City is in the process of creating a website to showcase local artists and artisans. Those who make or create a handmade product or work of art and who would like to be included on the website may contact Dana Dodge by e-mail at assistant@cedarcity.org or by calling the Economic Development Office at 586-2770.

Dodge, who serves as the City’s web master, has extensive experience in putting together web sites.

While sales of local items will initially be promoted only through the website, plans call for eventually adding a downtown Main Street gallery that would exhibit only locally made art products. A local non-profit group called “Artisans” is being organized and will have as its goal the establishment of an inclusive gathering place for local artists and artisans, the general public, and out-of-town guests. Heading the organization is Melissa Sullivan, who responded to an idea originally broached by Mayor Gerald R. Sherratt.

Sullivan is currently soliciting artists and artisans to participate in the program. Potential functional and decorative items that might be featured on the web site can be made from materials such as wood, ceramics, glass, common and precious metals and gems, basketry, textiles and leather, as well as pre-packaged specialty foods, skin-care products, and candles.

“The goal of the program is to promote and support local artists and artisans,” Sullivan says. “The emphasis is strictly on locally made products and the development of a cooperative organization that might support an inclusive, cohesive and productive art community. Items to be selected must be handmade by the artist offering them for sale; no resale items, mass-produced items, no third parties.”

Sullivan envisions the creation of a non-profit community arts organization which might incorporate the web site, but also a gallery in the City’s downtown area where the items could be placed on year-around display. “Visitors to Cedar City have long complained that there is nothing to buy here that is unique to the area,” Sullivan says, “and a gallery in the City downtown might assist in providing products for sale as well as encourage tourists and residents alike to visit the area and view the latest products that have been made locally.”

Sullivan is currently preparing a business plan for such an organization, investigating possible gallery locations, and exploring various financial plans to make the organization successful. Getting a pool of participating artists and artisans is the first step in getting the endeavor under way.
Sullivan can be reached via e-mail at cedarcityartisans@gmail.com