Check a map laying out national densities of community supported agricultural (CSA) gardens, and you’ll see our country’s East and Central regions blanketed in green. The West coast is catching up, as is the Intermountain West. Why are CSAs so in demand? Personal choice; control over what you are eating and the satisfaction of developing a relationship with growers.
Now, Jackson artist Alissa Davies has picked up the concept of communal support and linked it to local art. Community Supported Art (CSA), in its inaugural season, is looking for local (Teton County) artists working in all mediums to apply for CSA Jackson Hole. The project’s goal, says Davies, is to monetarily support artists creating new work AND to build a strong, interwoven community of supporters of art in Teton County. CSA “strives to connect local artists with collectors and to bring more visibility to the creative landscape of our community.”
How will it work?
“Selected artists will receive a commission to create 40 “shares” for the program. Interested collectors will purchase a share and in return receive crates of locally produced artwork at three ‘pick-up parties’ during the summer of 2014,” explains Davies. “Featured works could include anything from a run of screen-prints, a series of small tea cups, photographs, tickets to upcoming intimate performances or events, letterpress editions of a poem or small, original paintings. Each shareholder will receive one piece from each of the nine CSA artists over the course of the summer. Pick-up parties take place at local businesses and organizations and will feature music, food, and the opportunity to meet that evenings’ featured artists and view their work.”
Davies notes that Springboard for the Arts is the original program, affecting both urban and rural economies. A few years ago Davies read about CSA in a food and wine magazine, and the idea stayed in her head. With so many Jackson area artists, Davies imagined this program would be a great fit. Jackson arts peeps Carter Cox and Carrie Richer will help with marketing, producing short videos on the artists and remind the community about the project during off seasons. Davies hopes to schedule a Q&A session later this fall so artists can find out more about the project.
Davies is also a new mom. Her son, Sam, has helped many of Davies’ creative impulses surface.
“Sam is a huge catalyst for so many ideas; I want to the best person possible as an example for him,” says Davies. “I want to be as good a person as I can; as a mother, that’s of the utmost importance.”
Local artists can and should apply immediately. During the summer of 2014, nine artists will be chosen and their names announced in January, 2014. Seasonal member shares are priced at $350. Shares go on sale February 3, 2014. You may purchase shares directly from Alissa Davies. Contact Davies by phoning 307.690.4757 or by emailing [email protected].
Go, Alissa! Something tells me you’ve done your homework on this one! Your idea is beautifully reflective of your own delicate, delightful artwork.
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The Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum facilities (museum, store, research center, administrative offices) will be CLOSED for TWO WEEKS, beginning Saturday, November 16th, 2013. The museum re-opens for business on Tuesday, December 3, 2013. The museum looks forward to seeing everyone then, and thanks the community for their patronage and support. Info: Liz Jacobson, at 307.733.2414.
Tammy Christel 
