The Co-Op Art Store
February 1, 2010
Kirkland’s popular Arts Division created a tremendous demand for materials like silkscreen inks, high quality paper and litho crayons, which were not readily available in the Utica region. The Co-Op was founded in 1970 by charter class member Gail Phelps, and was student funded and operated. Members bought shares to help finance inventory, and contributed work/study time to running the shop, housed in a little closet with a dutch door, under the stairwell in the basement of List.
Stock certificate by Gail Phelps (Smith) K72
Do you have any Co-Op memories? Do you know who painted the dragon mural which still adorns the List stairway? Please add your comments below.
Site of the Art Co-Op. Photo 2007 by J.Morris
3 Comments
leave one →
Kirkland College 
The Dragon on the Art Co-op – Yes, … “business is dragon.” I can remember who painted it, I just can’t remember her name right now. Having trouble remembering mine too!
Gail Phelps
I don’t know what we would have done without the co-op. Without transportation, art students were
stuck. Great pricing on film and paper. I just always seemed to be running to catch them open.
The Art Co-op was another expression of community and self-governance at Kirkland. Connie’s so right about how much easier it made our lives to remain on the Hill and purchase supplies. I recall upper class women ( and men) helping us bewildered freshman select supplies, offering tips on upcoming projects, tackling themes and handling quirky medium ( and professors :-) . There was a sense of community at the Co-op and it offered a place in which, to discuss art, not just take a class.