Lakeside was created as a co-operative for local artists back in 2010. Originally, we were one of four art focused businesses that comprised "Harbor Village Art". Created when the County of Lake was receiving State re-development funding, those funds quickly stopped coming from the state and this project became stagnant. There followed some tough times that ended up with all businesses closing except for the Gourd Gallery (Linda Kelly) and Lakeside Art (Susan Laymon, Toni Stewart and Gytha March) We pooled our resources and became Lakeside Art & Gifts with the four of us as managing artists. Trying to stay with the original aim of Lakeside Gallery, we volunteer our work as managers, bookkeeper, store clerks, etc. There have been many tough years, especially during Covid. But we have survived, in part, because we are not "for profit". We hope to continue indefinitely.
The business is designed to be "for the artist, by the artist"!
The County of Lake owns the four buildings and works with us to try and maintain a viable business.
(Currently there are two of the four cottages available for rent. For information: SusanLaymon@gmail.com )
