West Branch
Michigan
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West Branch Creative Arts Association
History :
The Fourth St. Gift Shop & Gallery, formerly known as the Christmas Shoppe, was started in 1972 by a small group of artists and craftspeople as a six-week shopping experience just before Christmas. An empty storefront was used for several years.
By 1978, the group had many new members and a corporation was formed and registered called the West Branch Creative Arts Association. The group bought the current buildings and rented out the apartment above to help make payments.
The building was originally a blacksmith shop and over the years it housed a bump & paint shop, a pool hall, a Secretary of State office, a photography studio, a bridal shop, and an arts & crafts supply shop.
In 1980, members refurbished the inside of the two buildings. The Shoppe opened year-round and after a few years, an entrance to the other building was made and the Gallery was opened. The building was paid off in 1986.
The Fourth St. Gift Shop & Gallery, formerly known as the Christmas Shoppe, was started in 1972 by a small group of artists and craftspeople as a six-week shopping experience just before Christmas. An empty storefront was used for several years.
By 1978, the group had many new members and a corporation was formed and registered called the West Branch Creative Arts Association. The group bought the current buildings and rented out the apartment above to help make payments.
The building was originally a blacksmith shop and over the years it housed a bump & paint shop, a pool hall, a Secretary of State office, a photography studio, a bridal shop, and an arts & crafts supply shop.
In 1980, members refurbished the inside of the two buildings. The Shoppe opened year-round and after a few years, an entrance to the other building was made and the Gallery was opened. The building was paid off in 1986.