New Artist Cooperative Opening At Princeton Shopping Center

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Makes, a Princeton-based artist cooperative, will be opening its artists’ studios and retail space at the Princeton Shopping Center. The grand opening is scheduled for Sept. 18.

The cooperative will include 25 local artists, with its studio space accommodating up to 12 artists and a retail space featuring the work of all members for purchase. All artists will take turns working at the space when the store opens, and the artists who have studios on-site will be able to work seven days a week.

“The Princeton Shopping Center has been tremendously supportive of the concept and the way that it supports local artists,” said Jim Levine, founder of Princeton Makes and a stained-glass artist.

“Princeton Makes is able to bring a much-needed location for artist studios in the Princeton area, and the cooperative nature will allow for interaction and inspiration among the artists. The initial reaction to the concept from both artists and residents has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The cooperative will initially be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. When the store is open there will be at least one artist working in a studio, Levine said. Customers can interact directly with artists to learn about their processes and technique.

“This is a unique and exciting opportunity to expand my art practice, to work directly with other amazing creators and to help bring Princeton’s vibrant arts community even closer to the public,” Princeton-based painter Rhinold Ponder said in a statement.

The art made and sold at Princeton Makes includes various artistic genres, like painting, drawing, stained glass, sculpture, and jewelry.

The grand opening on Sept. 18 is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will include Plein air painting in the courtyard, artist demonstrations, open studios, and live music.

The event is free and open to the public.

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