Micropolis Cooperative, Inc. : A gallery of regional artists

Small Business Spotlight

Located in downtown Gloversville, NY Linda K. Hinkle, co-founder

As we move forward in the building of our community, we are excited to continue to uplift the small businesses in our network.

Join us as we continue to celebrate these small business owners in our communities.

Today we are celebrating Linda K. Hinkle & Micropolis Cooperative, Inc.

Can you tell us a bit more about your company?

In March 2011, a group of people met to discuss the possibility of and measure the interest in forming a cooperative art gallery. Twenty people met in the soon-to-be new location of Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market at 30 North Main Street in Gloversville. Floors were unfinished and the heating system was not yet functioning, but everyone arrived carrying their own chair, full of ideas and questions.

Four months later on the evening of July 27, the newly formed Micropolis Cooperative, Inc. partnered with the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN) to present the inaugural “Art on Main” in downtown Gloversville.

It was a celebration of artwork by regional artists held in two locations simultaneously — at the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Rotunda Gallery and inside Mohawk Harvest at Micropolis Gallery. The gallery currently displays the work of 20 artists who work in diverse media and styles. Paintings, drawings, photographs, fiber art, mixed media, glass, digital art, jewelry, pottery, woodland collages, baskets and fine art cards can be found in the gallery.

What’s something your company has worked on that you’re most proud of? Why does this part of the work resonate with you the most?

Micropolis has held a “Meet the Artists Reception” every two months — debuting a show of new work by its member artists as well as featuring the artwork of an invited guest. The gallery also has hosted a variety of special community events including “The Recycled Paint-Out,” held with support from the Fulton County Department of Solid Waste, “Soup-er Art” in conjunction with the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market Soup Competition, and our Fifth Anniversary juried Art Show open to all artists within a 100 mile radius of Gloversville.

Member artists also worked with the Gloversville Public Library to offer children a week long summer program to visit the community garden, take photographs of the plants, create their own personal artwork based on what they had observed and present it to family and friends in their own art show in the gallery. We enjoy introducing our neighbors to various forms of art as well as including them in art-related projects.,

What was your first job? What did you love most about it?

I was a graphic designer at the public TV station, WOUB-TV in Athens, Ohio. I was able to apply the skills I acquired in college and earn a living doing something I loved.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given about money and/or owning a business?

Make a plan, stick to it and be considerate of those you work with.

How would you say your company/organization positively impacts the community?

Our gallery is located in downtown Gloversville. Our mission is to:

• Provide artists with an opportunity to exhibit and sell their artwork
• Build awareness of and support for the regional art community
• Be a part of the revitalization of downtown Gloversville

How has the funding that you received through the Berkshire Bank Foundation helped you and your company during these times?

The funding enabled us to pay our rent, liability insurance and other monthly expenses while we were closed.

Connect with Linda & Micropolis Gallery on: Facebook

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