Free Little Art Gallery invites the community to get involved and get creative | News, sports, jobs

Janaica Anderson found the idea on social media, where she connected with several artists across the state and saw them starting or contributing to galleries. She was inspired by the idea and decided to build one, knowing it would be the first in the area.

As an artist herself, she was excited to see what the idea could lead to.

Anderson and her husband repurposed a closet to create the gallery itself. Since they both have construction backgrounds, they worked to add a window to ensure visibility and she added a roof. Anderson then painted it in bright colors, hoping it would stand out.

“I made it beautiful and colorful,” she said. “I also thought it was a good expression of my work: lots of colors.”

Courtesy of the Free Little Art Gallery at 208 Wisner St. in Alpena, several pieces of art are on display for sharing by members of the community. Painted rocks, paintings, cards, bookmarks, jewelry and more are on display as donations to the gallery.

The gallery, commonly referred to as FLAG on social media, is located at 108 Wisner St. in Alpena.

There are four rules that Anderson tries to adhere to: All artwork must be handmade (or you can donate new/gently used art materials), artistic submissions must be family friendly, artwork should be small (preferably 6 inches or smaller), and you can have one artwork accept, but are encouraged to contribute another work or delivery before taking on a second one.

When she opened the gallery in late August, she began displaying painted rocks, a hobby she had continued for a while since she used to leave them lying around town. The bottom shelf of the gallery was dedicated to stones, where people could add their own with whatever design or saying they wanted.

“I do a lot of doodles and other things besides the painted rocks,” she said of the FLAG’s contents. “We also brought some jewelry and various art pieces from other states there. We received oil pastels and woodcuts. Even the children get little sketches there too.”

Because it’s still relatively new, Anderson said community input is limited, but she hopes it gains traction once word gets out. She also mentioned that she was looking forward to the summer when tourists and more people would be in the area and be able to explore the area.

Courtesy Photo A miniature ghost painting is on display on a small easel at the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena.

“We continue to encourage people and post in local groups to try to spread the word,” she said. “I put little business cards up on bulletin boards all over town just to get someone’s attention.

“Everyone thinks it’s a really cool idea,” she continued when asked how the community responded to her social media posts and account. “They think it’s a cool community project to engage and engage people. Even if you don’t think you’re creative yourself, you can come along and enjoy the artwork. If you find something you like, feel free to keep it. You’re not expected to make things and put them there just to take something.”

Originally, Anderson said she waited to create the social media accounts until the process got underway and she better understood what other FLAG accounts looked like.

She recommends that local artists drop off their work in the mailbox beneath the gallery. She said it ensures she sees the work and can take photos of it before it is put back into circulation. She encourages artists willing to share their work on their social media pages to provide their names and social media handles.

“It’s exciting and like getting presents,” Anderson said of checking the mailbox every day. “They are gifts that came to me, but are not for me. It’s a gift I can share with everyone. It’s fun, it’s exciting.”

Courtesy photo A card with “You’re one in melon” printed on the front was donated to the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena to be exchanged for other art.

She said artists, who also have their own FLAGs in Gaylord and Cheboygan, often come to her area to share their work. She also received submissions in the mail, including from a Chicago street artist who contributed stickers and a “graffiti take” on mailing labels, she said.

Around Halloween and throughout the fall, Anderson encouraged the community and other contributors to theme their artwork based on the season. She hoped this would shake things up and maybe even get more donations.

“And you can do anything, whether you have proper art supplies or not,” she said.

However, she said people have donated art items in exchange for various pieces of art. She said it’s a great way for those who might not be as creative to make a deal and be part of the process.

Anderson said she tries to keep a supply for the lull, but also creates work of her own to replace what has been taken away or perhaps to switch things out if certain items have been left for a while.

Courtesy photo The Free Little Art Gallery dropbox in Alpena is full of donated art items to share with the community. The gallery is located at 108 Wisner St. in Alpena.

When supplies become scarce, she quickly makes it clear that she needs more art.

An artist herself, Anderson has been working to sell her art for some time, finding most success at in-person events such as art fairs and craft shows in the area. She said she plans to promote the FLAG at all upcoming events.

Her work, primarily acrylic and watercolor paintings, can also be seen and sold online on her social media pages. For more information, visit her website at janaicaandersonart.com.

“I want it (the FLAG) to be all-encompassing,” she said. “For me it’s a different way to create. And the community engagement itself – it just makes you feel good. Bringing people in and giving them the opportunity to interact with it and feel comfortable enough to put their work out there. But there are also some really cool pieces… It doesn’t have to be huge and it doesn’t have to be expensive either. It’s free.”

Courtesy photo A magnet has been created to be distributed at the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena.

Courtesy photo Painted stones are seen before being placed at the Little Free Art Gallery in Alpena. Janaica Anderson started the community project with various skirt designs and asked others to share and exchange theirs.

Courtesy photo features a crocheted “worry worm” with a poem attached. It was donated to the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena.

Courtesy photo A snowman made from various materials is displayed at the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena. The gallery is always happy to receive new works of art.