By Kyle Bettencourt
Lakeside Marketing Intern
Twenty years ago, Joyce Christman and Erin Rosson taught Rhein Center classes in the summer. Christman taught jewelry making, and Rosson’s expertise was in ceramics. The quality of their work drew people in, not only to their classes, but their artistry and masterpieces.
As more and more Lakesiders requested to purchase their work, the two women hosted their first porch party – the success of it would change the trajectory of their involvement in Lakeside.
Christman and Rosson saw the landscape of stores in Lakeside, and even more so saw a gap. No store sold anything handmade at the time, and many art forms completely lacked representation in the Lakeside business district.
After 20 wonderful years, Artists-N-Cahoots continues to welcome four to six new artists every year to display their work and offer it to the Lakeside community. Tuesday, June 10 marks Artists-N-Cahoots’ 20th birthday, and rumor has it there will be cake.
As Christman and Rosson reflected on the past 20 years, they pointed to three key factors that led to their sustained success. First and foremost, the co-founders thank God for countless blessings, and they have many stories to tell.
Second, the pair have emphasized laughter and friendship since they opened. The strength of the duo’s friendship shows through in their collaborative spirit, but even more so in their dedication to greeting everyone who walks into their space and saying goodbye to everyone who leaves it.
Lastly, the continued support from Lakesiders as the store has grown and changed over the years has enabled them to thrive. Rosson noted that many of the best ideas the pair have implemented came from listening to customers.
Striving to not only sell the nicest items in Lakeside, but also be the nicest people in the community, you might find Christman and Rosson laughing, telling the stories behind different art pieces, or even offering directions to guests at Hotel Lakeside, where their store is located.
At their quaint store, you can find Lakeside-themed art across multiple mediums, including a new fused glass vendor. Artists-N-Cahoots is more than just an artist consignment shop to its founders – it’s a gallery and museum.
“There’s probably nothing in this store that you need, but everything in this store will bring beauty to your life.” Christman said, emphasizing that they never mind if customers are just there to browse and talk.
This summer, stop by the shop to admire the many handmade creations by the Rhein Center artists, take home a unique piece of Lakeside, and congratulate Christman and Rosson on 20 years of success at Artists-N-Cahoots.
