Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Heath.
Hi Julie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A group of fourteen local artists, who have displayed and sold their artwork in other local galleries, got together to form their own cooperative in 2024. They created the Annapolis Art Cooperative, doing business as the Annapolis Pearl Gallery—a brick and mortar store at 32 West Street in Annapolis. This art gallery features a collection of locally crafted art and features acrylic paintings, fused glass, mixed media, digital paintings, jewelry, laser cut wood, oil paintings and photography. As an art cooperative, each artist operates the gallery, and has knowledge about all of the artwork, techniques and artist backgrounds.
In addition to displaying artwork at the Annapolis Pearl Gallery, the cooperative is open to any local artist who wishes to participate in off-site exhibits which we host all around the Annapolis area. Members of the cooperative have displayed and sold their artwork at local restaurants, Quiet Waters Park, art in public places such as Pip Moyer Recreation Center, and so on.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Members of the Annapolis Pearl Gallery have managed art galleries for years, and prior to that we hosted several years of seasonal pop-up galleries. The transition to creating our own cooperative was a very smooth one—we’ve all done this before. Plus, our team of artists are all friends, hard working, and creative souls who collectively make this a smooth running and positive energy environment!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Each of the artists in the Annapolis Pearl Gallery have found their passion for art through a variety of life journeys. Many of the artists in the gallery are retired from successful careers in advertising, broadcasting, business management, teaching and military careers. Creating artwork that brings joy into people’s homes is something that makes us most proud. Several artists in the gallery also enjoy giving back to the community with free healing through art classes for various organizations in our area.
We are also extremely active in bringing the arts to the Inner West Street area and enjoy creating community art painting events, demonstrating Plein air art, and hosting art receptions during Annapolis Art Walks. Plus one section of our gallery features a rotating collection of artwork from new and emerging artists, or new members of the cooperative.
Any big plans?
The Annapolis Pearl Gallery (and the Annapolis Art Cooperative), is always looking for new local talent to join the cooperative. We are also extremely active in seeking additional venues for exhibiting member’s artwork around the Annapolis area.
We will continue to help spearhead major arts events in the Inner West Street area and the Annapolis Arts District.
Pricing:
- Affordable locally crafted artwork ranging from $10+.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.annapolispearlgallery.art
- Instagram: Annapolis Pearl Gallery
- Facebook: Annapolis Pearl Gallery
- Youtube: @AnnapolisPearlGallery
