When you’re considering where to show your art, let these two friends provide a reminder to think outside the box. EM Member Artist Kristen Neveu makes art. EM Partner Member Dawn Okamoto is the owner of Secret Treasures, an antique store. Together they’re using their skills to carve out an alternative art space.

EM: How did you find one another? Who reached out to who?

D: We have known Kristen forever. She is our favorite Evanston (and the world) artist. She reached out to us. She asked us to consider becoming a partner. We said an immediate YES!

EM: What would you like to see more of in terms of business and art partnerships in Evanston?

D: Evanston already does an amazing job  promoting local artists and finding synergy with the business community.

EM: Describe what people can expect on June 1, 12-5p at Secret Treasures for the Studio Tour.

K: We are proud to host Kristen Neveu. We will be displaying 15 for $50, 15 works for $50 each. Kristen will be available to discuss her pieces. We will serve light snacks throughout her show.

EM: How did you choose Secret Treasures?

D: Kristen can answer this, but we believe, as in all great love stories, it is fate that brought us together, LOL!

EM: What advice do you have for artists looking to show art in alternative spaces?

D: Again, this is Kristen’s question, but we will add…Promote, promote, promote!! Utilize social media. Get the word out. Once people know, they will show up.

EM: What have been the benefits of showing visual artists in your shop?

D: The public response. Evanston is so proud to support local artists.

EM: Do you show more than one artist?

D: No, just Kristen.

EM: Do you solicit new artists?

D: Unfortunately, given the nature of our shop, antiques and vintage, it does not lend itself to new artwork. However, we love to participate in special events, like the Studio Tour.

EM: Why did you become an Evanston Made Partner?

D: Kristen asked us to consider it. We are always looking for new and exciting ways to promote art in Evanston and this was a perfect fit.

EM: How did you find one another? Who reached out to who?

K:I moved to Evanston in 2013. I quickly became a regular customer at Secret Treasures. I’m a collector. We became friends. I can’t get out of there without buying something. For the Main-Dempster Sauce Walk last May, Dawn and Henry reached out to me about exhibiting my art. I asked them if I could keep my work up for Evanston Made after that in June.

EM: What would you like to see more of in terms of business and art partnerships in Evanston?

K: Art at businesses to inspire people to create their own art. Or people to start collecting the art they see hanging in Evanston businesses.

EM: Describe what people can expect on June 1, 12-5p at Secret Treasures for the Studio Tour.

K: I’m having a 15 @ $50 show.  I’ll have 15 mixed media paintings, all 11×14, and priced at $50 for that afternoon. Start your art collection!

EM: What’s been the biggest benefit of showing your art in a business?

K: Having customers find my art in their everyday routines, and it sticks in their mind, and then they can reach out to me. It’s a “chance meeting” with art.  Also, I’ve had a few commissions come about by people seeing my work up in coffee shops or the library.

EM: How did you choose Secret Treasures?

K: I’m all about having my artwork shown in inclusive and welcoming spaces, and Secret Treasures is that. I also love the sense of history in the shop; it reflects well with my work.

EM: What advice to you have for artists looking to show art in alternative spaces?

K: Don’t be afraid to reach out to new spaces for showing your work. It’s an opportunity for people to view your artwork when they’re running an errand in a shop.  You can find new customers. And I like the synchronicity of it all.

EM: What can Evanston Made do as an organization to better support Business and Art synergies.

K: You do a lot already, thanks!  Other ideas? Pop-up exhibitions in empty spaces with artists and business booths, business and artist initiatives that reach out to kids, teens, elderly