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Artist-Run marketplace to open in Roslindale

Print | Comments () Posted by Your Town July 15, 2011 02:52 PM

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By Kim Foley MacKinnon, Town Correspondent

Tammy Schuetz Cook is betting she can have a soft opening for her new store Sarida, a marketplace featuring work by local artists, next week.

That will be quite a feat considering her lease on 20 Birch Street doesn’t start until tomorrow, but Schuetz Cook is determined to have an open house during the next Roslindale Summer Stroll on Thursday. “Even if it’s just us,” Schuetz Cook said, referring to herself---she makes jewelry---and her husband, Dan Cook, who is a photographer.

Based on Schuetz Cook’s enthusiasm and excitement alone, she shouldn’t have any trouble turning the space which was briefly home to ReGeneration into the shop of her dreams.

“My entire adult life I’ve wanted to own a store,” said Schuetz Cook, “I just didn’t know what it would look like.”

When she heard about the storefront becoming available, she and her husband jumped at the chance. “I was thinking this is the perfect opportunity for us,” Schuetz Cook said. “Things happened very quickly.”

Schuetz Cook describes Sarida as being similar to an artists’ co-op, where artists can rent space or offer artwork for sale on a commission basis. Schuetz Cook says she also envisions workshops, classes and lectures being held at Sarida sometime down the road.

While Schuetz Cook lives in West Roxbury, and was involved in the short-lived Boston Artisan Market that showcased local artists, she thinks Roslindale is the perfect fit for a business like hers.

“I like the feel of Roslindale,” said Schuetz Cook. “It’s more of a destination, a little more accessible and I am impressed with the efforts of the Main Street [organization].”

So far, two contracts with artists have been signed, but Schuetz Cook says response has been “tremendous” and at least 30 others have made verbal agreements with her.

A grand opening is planned for September 9. Until then, hours will be limited and the shop will be closed the last two week of August. Visit http://shopsarida.com for more details.