Rose May Aspires To Create Space For Fellow Artisans

Rose May is still seeking a forum for fellow artists.

McDonald County artisans need a gallery space big enough for a workshop, a venue and support from others for creative success.

May is seeking a space between Goodman and Bella Vista, Ark., with a minimum of 1,000 square feet. She’s considered a shop on Anderson’s Main Street, which would bring more traffic to the community.

Ultimately, she’d like to secure a building the size of a Walmart store.

The former Hunte building in Goodman would be perfect, she says. But with only $100 in her pocket, she can’t get many realtors to return calls.

May hosted three free art shows this year. She’s particularly motivated to help out fellow artists who have been hit hard this year because of covid-19 concerns.

“I am ready for us to get a shop,” she said. “A lot of artists have had major blows to their income.”

May is trying to spread the word and collect pledges and donations from community members. She currently has the support of several artisans who have pledged to give $200 a month in exchange for a place to create art. If someone were willing to work with the group, a space with reduced rent could be something the group could afford, she said.

The artist also would like to create a safe place in which to barter, which she believes is a lost art. Bartering can benefit both parties. May and a fellow artist in Michigan are bartering with each other this holiday season, she said. “Bartering helps people pull together and support one another.”

As she moves forward to help others, May seeks input from the community. She asks neighbors to step up to share their time and expertise. “That’s the definition of art — ingenuity and creativity.”

May believes by working together, ideas for such a place could come to fruition.

Finding a venue, having support and a place to work is critical. If those elements could be addressed, “local artists will thrive.”

For information, call May at 417-346-7243.