CSA: Community Supported…Art?
A version of the artwork each shareholder received was on display at the event. Amanda Honigfort
Last Friday, 40 North 88 West hosted the first pick-up event for their new CSA program. The Champaign arts group hasn’t entered the agriculture business, however. Instead of offering a share of a farmer’s crops, they are promoting community supported art.
The program came about from a search for ways to support local artists monetarily, since 40 North already has a number of ways to help artists gain exposure. 
This is how the CSA works: 25 community members can buy a share and become shareholders. Then, a few months later, they receive a piece from each of the nine artists selected at two different pick up events. Instead of creating a bunch of pieces and hoping for the best, the artist is paid first and given the freedom to create what they’d like, though each shareholder must receive essentially the same item. The second and final pick-up event of this round will take place in April.
“I thought it was a good opportunity to meet the artists and get some locally grown artwork, said Laura Billimack."I’m excited.”
40 North is beginning plans for a second round of the new CSA program. They expect to request proposals from artists interested in participating later this year. More pictures can be found here.