ExperienceGuide2023 - 46

As they look at supplies, gifts, and other fun
items for the Art Coop, they ask themselves
three questions: 1) Is this something I would
want; 2) Is it available elsewhere in town; and
3) Is this in line with our values? Through this
lens, they sell items that serve a purpose,
hype people up, and allow people to be
themselves.
The Art Coop continues to thrive under their
Tucked away in Lincoln Square Mall in the
heart of downtown Urbana, you'll find the Art
Coop, one of only a handful of independently
owned art stores in the Midwest. Stepping
into this women- and queer-owned shop, your
eyes will feast on the color that envelops
you from the wide array of paints, markers,
and other art supplies, alongside their large
selection of LGBTQIA+ gift items, games,
puzzles, and local art. A feeling of being
welcomed will settle over you as you shop-
whether you're an artist or just want a little
something in your life that brings you joy.
Owners and Champaign-Urbana townies,
Anna Peters and Hilary Pope, say this sense
of belonging was important to them when
they fully took over the store in 2019. The
Art Coop is a mainstay in the twin cities,
starting in 1971 as a registered student
organization on the University of Illinois
campus. Following a brief time in the Illini
Union serving students, the organization
became an independent shop led by eight
students who moved the Art Coop up and
down Green Street for decades before the
move to Lincoln Square Mall in 2010. Having
worked at the shop during college, Anna
had years of experience so when the last of
the original owners was ready to retire, she
saw her opportunity. As an artist herself, she
never thought about the business side, but
her type A personality seemed suited for the
job. She brought in Hilary, a fellow artist and
friend who exudes whimsy, into the buyout
which finalized in 2019. The pressure was on
to continue to serve the area's vibrant art
scene, while also introducing the shop to
new audiences. Then, the pandemic hit.
Determined to stay in business, this dynamic
duo let their creativity take over to find
ways to serve the community. As Anna
likes to say, they " brought the store into the
20th-century " by creating their first online
store-not an easy task when you have
thousands of pieces of inventory with art
supplies spanning the colors of the rainbow.
They changed products, eliminating those
items that weren't big sellers and introducing
queer merchandise and working with local
and queer artists here within our own
community and beyond. They branded bags,
tees, and stickers, counting on these pieces
to heighten their brand and serve as their
marketing. They also now serve as an official
supply store for area teachers which helps
keep those dollars local.
Self-professed " PBR and French Fry ladies, "
Anna and Hilary find ways to frugally fill a
void partnering with over 36 shops across
the country to leverage their buying power.
46 Official Champaign-Urbana Area Experience Guide
ownership. Now that they're comfortable
they can provide each employee a living
wage, they are growing their staff. Their
growth is allowing them to engage with the
community through different activities such
as dance, highlighting local art in their gallery
space, plus education and workshops on
using the art materials. Be on the lookout for
a new space, Art Coop Ink, near downtown
Champaign that will be a pen shop with
a small gift selection, including prints
and postcards that will be created in the
letterpress and print shop that will be visible
from the store.
At the Art Coop, they invite everyone to the
store, whether you're an accomplished artist,
developing new skills, or have no artistic
talent whatsoever. Anna and Hilary and the
entire team are there to create a sense of
community, support local organizations,
and help their customers feel confident and
happy. What they really want you to know is,
" Everything will be okay. "
Shop Art Coop at Lincoln Square Mall in
downtown Urbana or online at
theartcoop.com.
http://www.theartcoop.com https://www.lincolnsquareurbana.com/
ExperienceGuide2023

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