Lucy’s Corner
“We wanted two things,” says Dana Mullis, “One, to bring a cute retail space to Baldwin, where people can buy a one-of-a-kind something made with love; and two, to include all types of art and artists.” Lucy’s Corner, born of the pandemic, has successfully continued growing since it opened in September of 2020. Covid related regulations had strangled the Lumberyard Arts Center’s income sources, facility rental, classes, events, etc., and they needed an alternative resource. The Lumberyard Arts center was awarded a grant towards revenue generating projects and Jeanette Blackmar, director of the Lumberyard Arts Center, settled on the prospect of a boutique. Dana Mullis, who had previously expressed interest in a similar idea, became the manager. With the help of two interns, they spent the summer of 2020 creating a brand and mission for Lucy’s Corner. Their mission is to support local artists, ideally within a twenty-five-mile radius of Baldwin City, by giving them a storefront in which to sell their artwork. There is an application process for interested artists. It starts with the artist telling what they're inspired by, and what their artistic experiences have been. “Anything you’re making, we want to see it,” says Dana. Notecards are the most popular items, but they also offer jewelry, knitted scarves, paintings, photographs, ceramics, and Baldwin City merchandise. “We try to keep it fresh so when people come back, they see new stuff,” explains Dana. Many of their current artists have been with them since the beginning of Lucy’s. “We try to support artists in whatever they’re doing, however they’re doing it, and when they’re doing it,” says Dana.
If you’re an artist interested in selling your art work at Lucy’s Corner, Jeannette and Dana would love to meet you in person. If that’s impossible, email (lucyscorner.lac@gmail.com) or Facebook work also.
Tell us about the name “Lucy's Corner”
We wanted to honor Lucy Sullivan, the first female mayor of Baldwin. When we created Lucy’s Corner, Sullivan Square had just been finished and we also wanted to pull it all together nice and neat. Since the shop is in the corner of the building and we’re on the street corner as a building, “Lucy’s Corner” just fell into place.
What has been a challenge operating this shop?
Advertising has been a bit of a struggle. A lot of people still don’t know we’re here. I’m hoping that Main Street will help with promotion.
What is one thing you find interesting about this type of business?
Every artist has their own passions and reasons and their own unique way of looking at things. Hearing those stories and seeing their artwork as a result of their thought process is really interesting. This quarter we have a new artist joining us, Thomas Britt Nichols. He’s a retired attorney who enjoys going out in the woods and painting landscape pictures. You might not assume that an attorney would also be a painter.
Why would you encourage people to patronize Lucy’s Corner?
I would encourage people to shop at Lucy's because they're not only supporting the Lumberyard Arts Center, they're also supporting local artists who have kids and families.
What have you seen Lucy’s Corner do for artists?
We're giving them an outlet for their art. One of our artists told us, “My house is full and I don't know where to put my art.” As an artist, I personally feel like I've lacked in creativity because I also don't have anywhere to put my art. Giving artists an outlet for their art has helped spur creativity.
How do you envision the shop growing in the next five years?
We helped twenty-eight artists in 2021 and I would like to grow that number. We’ve had quite a variety of art, but I would like to grow that variety as well.
What advice do you have for people that are starting their own business?
Don't be afraid to make a mistake or give it everything you have. If you're going to do it, you have to go for it. Don’t be afraid to try new stuff. You never know what will be well received, or badly received, but don’t be afraid to try.