OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) – It’s the end of an era for a nonprofit artist cooperative in Downtown Ocean Springs.
December 21st is the last time an open sign will invite locals and visitors inside the quaint cottage to enjoy original artwork.
“As a nonprofit art co-op, we have been priced out of the market,” says Susan Ruddiman.
“But hopefully we will find someplace else,” Sandra Halat adds.
The Art House property was listed for sale in July.
Just this week, it was sold- and the members voted to close shop because of a rental addendum that made it too expensive to stay until the end of their lease in March.
“It is a setback because we don’t have an outlet now through the Ocean Springs Art Association, and there’s no longer a nonprofit art co-op in Ocean Springs at all,” Ruddiman says.
Ruddiman is the Art House’s steering committee chairwoman. She’s been with the co-op for 11 years, along with more than 20 artists who sell their creations here.
“You know, it’s just… it’s kind of like a home away from home,” Debra Baldinger says.
“There’s so much manufactured work out there it’s hard to be able to find original work by local artists so that’s the thing that I think will be gone when we close,” Kathy Tosch explains.
Throughout 25 years of business, more than 300 artists have chosen to display their work here.
Each artist paid quarterly dues and volunteered as sales clerks.
The group gathered for one last time under The Art House roof, sharing memories and optimism.
“I’m just hoping we do something. We do have an arts show once a year at the Peter Anderson and that’s a great way to sell your art and show your art but it’s once a year,” Baldinger says.
“We are making plans to still be around and have some kind of impact in downtown,” Ruddiman adds.
As of right now, the future of the Cash Alley property has not been announced.
The Art House Facebook page will remain active and is the best way to reach the artists until they are able to find a new location.
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