Art CSA aims to connect Denverites to Globeville artists

Drawing on the model of community supported agriculture, Collectors ArtBox (CAB) has launched a community-supported ArtBox at the RiNo Made Store. CAB’s goal is to support emerging and mid-career artists and create an engaged community of art supporters. This inaugural project will feature four visual artists, a jeweler, a fashion designer, all based in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood,

CAB has released 25 Fine ArtBox shares ($500), featuring four original paintings, and 25 Intro ArtBox shares ($300), featuring 4 original prints, jewelry and a fashion item. Subscribers can purchase a share online and then “harvest” their ArtBox at a pick-up event on Saturday, December 8, just in time for the holidays.

Additionally, anyone who purchases a Fine ArtBox can customize each of the four pieces, selecting a specific color, word, or bike style to be incorporated into the final works of art.

As a direct-purchase model, each artist will take home 85% of what the subscriber pays, a significantly higher commission than many traditional art distribution models.

“This is one more thing we can do to support artists in the RiNo Art District,” says Tracy Weil, Creative Director and Co-Founder of RiNo Art District, “It provides an outlet for Denverites to support artists directly.“

Painter Angela Craven agrees, “Starting or growing an art collection may feel overwhelming, but it’s easier when there is a sense of connection. Artists don’t inherently have a connection with their patrons or vice versa; this project allows us to develop direct relationships.”

This inaugural project includes art from fashion designer Stephanie Victa; metalsmith Nikki Dechent; painters Emily Cope, Greg Gandy, Angela Craven, and Leslie Jorgensen. Each of these six artists will receive a commission to create 25-50 shares for the program.

“I love agricultural CSAs, and I’m a community-minded producer,” says metalsmith Nikki Dechent, “Rather than art-buyers having to visit multiple smaller galleries to find art they like, curated boxes are simpler and the pickup is fun. Also, since the boxes are prepaid, we’re guaranteed work, which is comforting as an artist.”

Ultimately, CAB’s model facilitates a new entry point for everyday people to connect with Denver’s growing arts scene. “This project enables people to develop their own personal relationships with art and artists,” says CAB Founder Emily Cope. “Art can add such richness to our existence. We hope to allow people to find out what art can do for them.”