Artisan’s Sanctuary moving to Marion

MARION — The Artisan's Sanctuary plans to move into a new space along Seventh Avenue in Marion.

The not-for-profit received $5,000 in hotel/motel funding from Marion City Council Thursday night to renovate the former Running Wild building, at 1070 Seventh Ave.

Jim Jacobmeyer, president of the organization, said he wants to move because the Artisan's Sanctuary, at Sixteenth Avenue SW in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids, has suffered losses after the recent Cedar Rapids flood.

Jacobmeyer added the organization couldn't host a planned concert in its space after the flood because electrical and stage equipment had been removed to prevent flood damage.

The main source of the not-for-profit's income is studio rentals to artists for use as work space.

'We have people who have left because of the circumstances,' he told the council. 'Primarily, we're stable because of our cooperative efforts. If we lose studio rentals, then we have issues.'

Jacobmeyer, who helped found the NewBo Arts Festival, said he wants to become more involved in Marion Arts Festival.

'We'd love to have a permanent home at this point,' he said during the city council meeting. 'We'd love to be a part of what you're doing.'

Jacobmeyer said the organization hopes to buy the building on Seventh Avenue and use the $5,000 for renovations. It plans to be in the building by Feb. 1.

The Artisan's Sanctuary did not answer calls from The Gazette Friday.

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