If you are interested in becoming a founding member, please email Wendy - unperfektstudios@gmail.com with some details about your work and any links to your website or social media.
About: Unperfekt Studios is a small artist/artisan shop located at the Hamilton Farmers' Market led by Hamilton-based artist/illustrator Wendy Campbell. We have been operating for 2 years and are looking to expand and create a formal collective (a name change is TBD).
We are seeking visual artists and artisans with a positive attitude and collaborative spirit.
Timing: Beginning January 2025
The Nitty Gritty
Our Members are: Visual artists and artisans who consider their work to be their main profession; or maybe you are retired and have a good deal of time to work on your craft. We are not seeking casual hobbyists or people looking for a side-gig.
Types of Work must be original and includes: painting, illustration, sculpture, textiles, glasswork, woodworking, mixed media, collage, etc. Unfortunately, due to another vendor in the market, we cannot accept pottery, jewelry, clothing, or accessories.
Commitment: A one year commitment is required as per the farmers’ market lease requirements. Members will sign a formal agreement.
Membership Fee: TBD and will be based on contributing an equal portion of the monthly rent. (HFM rental fees are very reasonable so it is likely the monthly fee will be between $50-$100. This includes liability insurance, electricity, and shop packaging).
Gallery Shifts are required and will depend on the size of the founding members. We foresee each member working 1-2 shifts per month. (We prefer members work at the shop but will consider a monthly fee which will contribute towards payment of a paid employee)
Point of Sale: Members should be willing to learn our Shopify point of sale system. It is very user friendly and similar to Square Card.
Commission: members receive 100% from the sale of their work minus any credit card processing fees.
While on Shift: We intend to have a small workspace available for artists to work on their craft while they are on their shift. Some days are slower than others and there is ample opportunity to get some work done.
Exhibitions and Workshops
There is an opportunity to have exhibitions and workshops in the large York Blvd. Space at the market - we plan to make this a regular part of our offerings and the managment and marketing teams at the market are supportive of this.
Long-Term
We are looking for a larger space in the market for 2025 to accommodate more works and a workspace. If a suitable space does not become available, we will continue with the small shop until something opens up.
It is our intention after the initial year to incorporate and register as a charitable organization and be a true artist-run centre. This will allow us to have access to opportunitites and grants that would otherwise not be available.
Important Note: While we all hope to earn money by selling our work, this collective is more about having a permanent space to exhibit and sell our creations, connect with other artists and community members, and build awareness. Unperfekt Studios was created as an alternative to doing unpredictable art fairs and markets. (Not to mention expensive and exhausting) The shop has always been financially successful and past financial information will be shared with members when approved.
If you are interested in becoming a founding member, please email Wendy - unperfektstudios@gmail.com with some details about your work and any links to your website or social media.
