By Shayna Mace | Photography by Shanna Wolf
When a retail space opened up next door to Katie and Jake Hawley’s Picture Salon business, the couple spotted an opportunity to extend their successful fine art printing company in a more creative direction.
“Artists had been asking us to help sell their work [in addition] to helping them produce it. We decided there’s not really a space like this on the West Side. Over here, it’s kind of an art desert,” explains Jake.
Last October, the couple opened Madison Art Market, a one-stop shop for art by Wisconsin artists. Offerings include paintings, prints, photography, greeting cards, jewelry, ceramics, and wool and fiber arts.
The business has already garnered a positive response from shoppers, and an even more effusive reaction from artists. Jake says the couple initially worried about not having enough art to sell but quickly realized that wouldn’t be an issue after artists rushed to fill out the business’s online application to sell their works.
“We quickly ran out of space on the walls, and I think now the only place left is the ceiling — [so it would] be like the Sistine Chapel,” he jokes.
Over 80 Wisconsin artists’ works are on display, and Jake says around 75% are from the Madison area. Works range from as little as $2 up to thousands.
“We really want it to be … as inclusive as possible. There’s a price point and style for everyone [here]. We wanted to avoid being a high-end gallery because not everyone’s comfortable going into those places, even if they have [money to spend],” says Jake.
Creating a welcoming atmosphere is essential for a brick-and-mortar shop selling original artwork. As Jake notes, people want to experience authentic art in person.
“We think art should be for everyone. If it’s priced [right] and it makes people happy or they have an emotional attachment to it, people will buy that. And I think a lot of our current customers are happy that they’re supporting local artists,” he says.
5944 Odana Rd., madisonartmarket.com
