Local artisans’ work finds home in Hopwood
Nearly 30 artists and fine crafters have their work for sale in a new shop in Hopwood, but it’s more than the typical consignment arrangement.
It’s a new venture for the Fayette County board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a worldwide organization that provides direct aid to people in need, and that helps them “to eliminate the causes” of their need.
Vincent’s Gallery, which opened in May, answers that mission statement in two ways.
“It helps people to help themselves,” said society executive director Roy Sarver.
Some of the artists are elderly or have a low income and rely on their arts and crafts for supplemental income. The gallery gives them an outlet where they can earn 75 percent of the sale price. The rest of the money goes back to the society for its emergency programs for people who need help with housing, food and paying utility bills.
Sarver said this is the first such venture for St. Vincent de Paul in Western Pennsylvania. It had its beginnings when the board attempted to sell artwork and fine crafts at the thrift store in Uniontown.
