Though it may yet to be obvious from the outside,
Old Town’s Haze Gallery has undergone some pretty dramatic changes since March. In fact, the business has not only changed owners, but is also now called
Great Lakes Artworks.
“We wanted to steer clear of the word ‘gallery,’” says director and now part owner Michelle Sidel. “When I think of a gallery I think of very expensive paintings, but we have all kind of price ranges, from a couple of dollars to hundreds of dollars.”
Sidel is now one of eight artists who now own shares in Great Lakes Artworks, which was owned by an individual, Hazel Hotwagner, since 1996. According to Sidel, who has served as the director of the business since 2008, the transition has been a gradual one.
“We haven’t done anything major yet,” she says. “We’re trying to make improvements as we go along. Eventually we’ll have a new sign up.”
That new sign may include Great Lakes Artworks’ new logo. The design was created by Jessica Kerbawy during a logo contest held by the business.
Sidel says that new artists who want to display their work may contact the shop for more information. The rent-based collective features between 30 to 40 artists at any given time. Artists also serve by each working a few hours at the employee-free business. Artists who want to be more invested Great Lakes Artworks still have the option of buying into the businesses.
“It’s a fun place,” says Sidel. “We’re all really excited.”
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