Creative Spirit Artists Gallery in Patagonia came close to closing its doors last month until David and Susan Hetrick, of Sonoita stepped forward to purchase the business. This gallery has been a venue for local artists since it opened in 2005 as a cooperative. Most recently the business was owned and managed by local residents Carolyn Shafer, Susan Corl, Gary Romig and Judith Whitcomb.
Susan Hetrick, who is an artist and an ordained minister, had been selling her art and working part-time at the gallery, and became interested in purchasing the business when she and her husband learned that it was going to be for sale. The couple took over the gallery in early January, repainting some of the walls and rearranging the display space to give it a “more vibrant feel,” according to David Hetrick. “The welcome has been phenomenal,” he said.
At present, there are more than 60 artists and authors displaying their work at the gallery, which accepts art on consignment and offers a variety of levels of participation. All artists pay a consignment fee, which varies according to which level they choose. Supporting artists pay a fee of $600, for which they receive a fixed space in the gallery. Associate artists pay $300 and are guaranteed a smaller display space. Gallery artists do not pay an annual fee and are not guaranteed a specific space. “It’s a way for them to see if it works out for them, or they may just be looking for an additional venue for their art,” said David. The couple has a few open spots available for new artists in the gallery at this time.
The couple strives to have a variety of genres and price levels. Susan selects the artists. Her own work includes photography, paintings, even crochet cacti. Her background in art includes a stint as an art critic in Las Vegas.
The Hetricks moved to Sonoita five years ago from Scottsdale where David worked in insurance and Susan studied at seminary. They looked all over the state before settling on Sonoita as the place they wanted to establish a retreat center where guests could experience nature and spirituality. “It is the most magical place in the world,” David said.
Shoppers at the gallery come from across the country and from all over the world. Their very first customers were an English couple living in France, according to David. They would like to see more locals shop at the gallery.
“We want to continue the best traditions of the cooperative and give locals a new reason to come in,” David said. “We think it’s valuable to provide a local outlet for the tremendous talent of our local artists. We want to create a pleasant shopping experience for people who come here from all over the world.”
The gallery, located at 317 McKeown Ave. in Patagonia, is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Saturday, and 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.