Artist Space – Stokedville 

By: Jasmine Krawczuk 

Stokedville, located on Bloomfield Ave. in Montclair New Jersey is an interesting art space. The store sells a selection of typical mass produced items and shirts, along with custom made pieces by local independent artists. What’s most fascinating is how this store is both a secondary and primary art market for the artists featured. Depending on the agreement made with the store, the artist’s artwork can either be purchased by the shop (and then resold for more money) similar to a secondary art market. However, for artists geographically close to the store, the shop acts more as a gallery where the custom pieces are on display and when sold the profit is split by some percentage between the store and the artist. The implementation of both methods of selling is extremely interesting. The secondary market style is used for artists that are farther from the store who provide works in shipments and dropoffs. These artists get paid upfront for their work. However, artists closer to the store location utilize the space more similar to a gallery. Their pieces are displayed at the store and when sold the profit is split between the two. The artists getting paid in this way also tend to do demonstrations for the shop at craft fairs and conventions.

The utilization of both art market methods allow the store to feature a large amount of artist work while also giving artists promotion. 

I personally enjoy this store as it has a great feeling to the entire space. The retail space is small so the place is packed with racks of custom jewelry and clothes along with walls decorated with painted jackets. It’s a small operation but there is clearly a lot of care put into everything. The employees also know which pieces are attributed to which artists and will further promote artists when customers ask about the pieces. 

Due to the cramped area, unfortunately, it’s difficult to take pictures or thoroughly inspect pieces. I also personally wished that the instagram page for the store would post more individual product images to aid with this. 

Personally I really enjoy the symbiotic relationship this store has cultivated between itself and the artists. I hope that this will become a more popular trend within smaller independent stores. I feel that small businesses being able to promote and create relationships with other independent creators will allow for the growth of a community and support network that is desperately needed with the domination of Amazon and other online retailers stifling smaller businesses. Thankfully this store seems to be doing well with a decent internet presence and some viral TikTok videos promoting it. Additionally, being located in Montclair is beneficial as Montclair has its own artist communities, reputation for fashion and specialty stores, and a close proximity to New York city which increases accessibility. 

Overall the shop is probably one of the best places to see a variety of independent artist work in northern Jersey. With a variety of products and artists, Stokedville should be considered an example of specialty fashion stores aiding in the promotion and business of independent artists.