Duluth business provides a storefront for local artists

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Alt Creative is a Duluth business that supports painters, crafters, and other makers throughout Duluth by giving them a place to display and sell their products.

Shoppers will find crocheted items, paintings, jewelry, decorations, and even some thrifted antique goods that were all brought in by local crafters, artists and makers.

What makes the space different from others is that artists don’t have to pay for their spot at Alt Creative, instead, 30% of their profit goes back into the store. Many antique malls ask for monthly spot payments whereas Alt Creative asks for a smaller communication fee and for those who sell their art to try and volunteer a few hours working at the store.

Henry Kneiszel is one of the about 50 artists who display their work and take time to run the shop. They are grateful for the doors Alt Creative opens for artists of all mediums.

“It’s so helpful to have a spot that’s really invested in the artiste and the artists are invested back in that spot,” said Kneiszel. They also added that it is nice to know there is a shop in town that will always have artists’ back as they continue to follow their dreams.

Melissa Weisser is the owner of Alt Creative and says it is nice having a whole community of people pitch in at the shop to make sure it will be around for years to come.

“It’s worked for us really well, I feel like it’s a way we can keep our art affordable and accessible to everybody while still providing the money back to the artists as well,” said Weisser.

She had worked with many community members to make this happen and open up in 2021. All of them saw that smaller artists needed a permanent place to sell their items and go to work.

Each artist can stay in the store as long as they want and can change their pieces and design space as often as they like.

Weisser said you can find anything at their store and they will always be a place for any artist, crafter or maker to sell their pieces.

If you are interested in selling at Alt Creative, click here to visit their website. Weisser said to send an email and she will get back as soon as possible with the next steps.

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