“Michele Rose is an asset to this community and has done so much to contribute,” says Georgia Haskell of the Cottage Grove Chamber.
If an art event is happening in Cottage Grove, it is hard not to run into Michele Rose. There’s a good chance it is an event she is organizing, involved with, participating in as an artist, or attending.
At last year’s Cottage Grove Oktoberfest, Rose coordinated the artists in the armory. For longtime residents who used to participate in the Bohemia Mining Days Bloomer Parade, this was also co-coordinated by Rose and Tara Sue Hugart from 2016-18. If you go to the Cottage Grove Art Walk, you might be surprised to learn Rose is the person in charge. When you need an art supply while in Cottage Grove, you will probably go to the Crafty Mercantile – owned by Rose.
Each year since 2015, Opal Center for Arts and Education has produced its annual Trashion Show, in which designers produce wearable art made from trash destined for the landfill. Rose is both a designer and producer of this show.
“She is the steward of art in Cottage Grove,” says Laurel Gravem Alvarez, local artist. Alvarez also knows her from showing in the Crafty Mercantile. “She has worked so tirelessly for the arts and shared so much.”
Wendy Shugar met Rose through the Art Walk six years ago. When she moved to Cottage Grove and asked who to talk to about various events related to the arts, the answer always was Rose. Shugar works with Rose in the Cottage Grove Art Collective and says, “She is amazing! She pulls together the art walk and has for so many years.” Shugar raves about the summer camps Rose teaches at Opal Center, the after-school programs for kids, and so much more. “These shows bring the community together.”
“My love of art and sharing that with the community is what drives me,” Rose says. “Knowing that art is not only good for our souls but for our brains. The lack of creative outlets is a motivator for me, creating welcoming spaces where people can explore the arts.”
Rose is a member of the Cottage Grove Artist Collective and, for three years, was a board member and Art Walk liaison for the Cottage Grove Economic Business Industry Development (now rebranded as Downtown Cottage Grove). She is the liaison for the Lane Arts Council for South Lane County. She served as a board member and then president of the Opal Center for Art and Education and was a board member at the Eugene Saturday Market. She has been involved with after-school art programs; and Art for Lunch, a free summer lunch program. She has had a booth at the Oregon Country Fair for 45 years.
The Crafty Mercantile is a shop that sells art materials, music supplies, local art, curiosities, hosts classes, and participates in the Art Walk. Rose’s plan was to retire soon and pass on the store to her daughter. Unfortunately, her lease is up, and the business location has been sold.
“With all the changes downtown we felt the universe was telling us it was time to retire,” she said. “My next big project is closing my shop and retiring at the end of the year. I will still focus on children’s art in the community and plan to do a children’s art in the park program next summer in Cottage Grove.. … I am looking forward to exploring watercolor painting and growing more flowers.”
Crafty Merchantile closed its doors on Dec. 31.
