About Us

Hollie Blakeney

Hollie-Blakeney-Image

Co-Founder

Hollie has always been interested in the intersection of art and community. This drove her to start her first gallery cooperative 18 years ago. Continuously curious, she dabbles in many art forms, including glassmaking, block printing, painting, cyanotype, jewelry, and collage. Her interest in diversity, inclusion, and intercultural studies, has taken her around the world where she spent many years living in Spain, Taiwan, and Ireland. She loves Lawrence and happily lives here with her husband and two very large, very cuddly dogs, Rosie and Claire.

Morgan Long

Morgan-Long-Image

Co-Founder

Originally from Topeka, Morgan has developed a successful art and photography business here in Lawrence. She loves creating large scale commissions and murals, and her colorful, graphic paintings add joy to any room. Morgan is committed to creating an inclusive art community. She is here to support emerging artists turning their dreams into reality. She lives in Lawrence with her daughter and enjoys spending her time pouring love into her little.
Display tables featuring art by local Lawrence artists and makers inside Art Love Collective gallery + local art shop.
Two women wearing glasses smiling and holding their hands in shape of heart
close-up of newly hung disco ball on ceiling at Art Love Collective
group of artists sitting at tables in semi-circle listening to two women speak
two hands in foreground form a heart shape with paint samples and Art Love Collective gallery in background
Artists setting up display tables featuring art for pop up sale inside Art Love Collective gallery + local art shop.
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Our Business Model:

  • The business model is based on Chartreuse, an arts co-op that Hollie founded in Michigan. Chartreuse has successfully used this model for over 16 years.
  • Artists pay a monthly membership fee. This gives the gallery a steady income base to count on, regardless of sales, and gives the artist a larger cut of their sales. If the artist is more comfortable with a traditional commission model, we can do that too; whatever is best for the artist.
  • As members, artists are encouraged to be much more involved than they would be with a traditional gallery. Although not required, we encourage them to serve on committees, occasionally help in the store, attend events & retreats, share their ideas, and know that their voices are not only heard, but acted upon. A sense of belonging is key to developing a strong arts community.
  • Customers, especially tourists (KU families, etc.), appreciate a shop where everything is locally handmade. This creates customer loyalty.
  • Frequent community-focused events bring the artists and the greater Lawrence community together.
Join The Collective

Let's Get Social

Connect with us at @artlovecollective on FB and @artlovecollectivelfk on IG!