Scotts Valley Artisans Off to A Good Start in New Location

, the brainchild of Pam Nielsen and Dawn Teall–a joyful mother-daughter team, is now in full swing after a well-received, month-long pop up style stint in the same location. Their 2010 holiday boutique was so popular they decided to make it a permanent space where the community can partake in the abundant art produced in Santa Cruz County.

“We had a great response from the community and from the artists, and a lot of people encouraged us to continue,” Teall said.

They started out with around 40 artists and are up to 75—all from Santa Cruz County. While the space is vibrant already, Teall said they have space to bring in more artists. Artists who rent space in the cooperative pay a 15 percent fee on any sales. The minimum amount of space an artist can rent is $48 per month. The business model may not be a get-rich-quick method, but it allows artists to sell more art at a more affordable price than the traditional gallery model. Sharing space is a win-win for artists.  

“Our agenda is to support the arts and help artists expand and be seen. These are the kinds of things that are usually found at a street fair or art and wine festival, we wanted to make that accessible year round,” Teall said.

Teall comes to the venture with a background in art, interior design and as a longtime professional potter. Nielsen, Teall’s mother, brings her business savvy to the partnership.

Currently, their business model is not designed to earn the pair a solid living, but eventually they expect to expand and incorporate workspace with the hopes of quitting their day jobs.

Basket makers, soap makers, wood carvers, jewelers, painters and every kind of artist in between share space at Scotts Valley Artisans. In addition to art from a wide-variety of traditions, there is a children’s handmade clothing and toy section.

“We’re passionate about our kids’ section. I have kids and we are constantly spending money on birthday presents and other things for their friends,” said Teall, who recognizes that they are bringing something unique to Scotts Valley.

While the business is brand new, Teall feels that things are off to a good start. In an effort to connect the community with some of Artisans’ artists, Teall and Nielsen plan to host regular Meet the Artists events. The first will be held on May 14, 6-9 p.m. at the store, 222-I Mt. Hermon Rd. Artists will be available to talk with the community. Enjoy music and food while getting to know them. 

“The way into art is to get to know the people that are making it; talk to them a little bit; see that they’re normal people like the rest of us,” Teall said. “Artists are people who are brave about expressing how they feel.”

Teall hopes that meeting artists will make the art more accessible to the community. “This is where your neighbors are sharing their work.”

“One of the reasons we opened this here is because we feel like there isn’t anything like this in Scotts Valley. We have an enormous amount of talented artists in Scotts Valley and in Santa Cruz County.” Teall said. “This really does reflect Scotts Valley. People get excited when they come in and realize these are their neighbors.”