People looking for something “made in Minnesota” need to look no further than Artistry Cove, 515 North Riverfront Drive, a shop that specializes in all kinds of art created by Minnesotans.
New business owner Brigid Cline grew up on a hobby farm south of Belle Plaine. She has always had what she terms an “artistic and creative soul,” something that comes in handy at Artistry Cove, the business Cline opened one year ago in Old Town in Mankato.
“I sell anything and everything as long as it’s made by the hands of Minnesotans,” Cline said.
Some of those items include jewelry, cutting boards and popular wooden games such as mini-cornhole. Cline also sells hand knit and crocheted items from baby blankets to Pokémon plushies. Wall hangings, original art, resin river tables — which are unique coffee tables — and jewelry for everyone are some of the items available at Cline’s store.
The complete list of items available at Artistry Cove is long and detailed and is Cline’s dream come true.
“For years, it’s been my dream to have a small shop where I could show my work and the work of my creative friends. Art and crafts fairs are time consuming and unreliable, and Etsy’s market is so oversaturated it’s hard to get your name out there,” Cline said.
With the help of a friend in Mankato (Cline currently lives in New Prague with her husband and two children), Cline had the opportunity to open her own art marketplace.
“I love having my shop in Old Town,” Cline said. “The vibe is fun and funky and there are a bunch of other amazing places to shop, eat and be merry.”
Cline typically finds artists when they reach out to her, often after visiting her shop. Cline started with the work of nine artists/friends and now has over 40 different creators.
Cline also sings the praises of her landladies and said they are supportive and helpful, something she greatly appreciates as a first-time business owner. She also enjoys the sensory extras that come from her location.
“Being in the same building as Wooden Spoon means I always have delicious smells and great food close at hand,” Cline said.
Artistry Cove doesn’t have a storefront on Riverfront. Instead, it’s tucked into the courtyard entrance which makes it necessary to do a little digging to find the store. Cline is all right with that.
“Being a first-time retail shop owner, I was afraid of the big picture windows, and I enjoy my little tucked away cove area,” Cline said.
Plans for the future
Running Artistry Cove is a one-woman job.
“Everything is done by me and me alone. Well, I do count on a friend who helps me crunch the numbers, but other than that I run the shop, create and update the displays, do all the inventory, correspond with consignors and do all my own marketing.”
Yes, on top of everything that goes along with running her business, Cline is also an artist who creates abstract acrylic paintings and makes jewelry.
Perks of owning a business include meeting a variety of artists and seeing their creations. Challenges include the scope of what Cline has undertaken.
“I’ve never owned a business before. I’ve never worked in retail before. And I’ve never worked in marketing so honestly everything about being a shop owner is challenging. Marketing is my biggest challenge, and it can be overwhelming to figure out the best ways to get Artistry Cove noticed,” Cline said.
In addition to running the shop, Cline has a small craft space in her office where she keeps art supplies and her kids’ (a 13-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son) old craft projects. Keeping the craft space in the store allows Cline to create while she’s at work when she has time. She also keeps the area as a free space where people can come and use her supplies.
“It’s currently just an open workspace but I am hoping to get a little more organized and offer specific craft projects weekly and maybe some classes, hopefully in 2024,” Cline said.
In the upcoming year Cline also hopes to work on her store’s website and possibly start delegating some of her tasks to others so she’ll have more time for her own art again.
“And of course, growing my customer base,” she added.
