- by Jody Johnson, Assistant Editor

There is a new, but familiar face at the helm of the Owen Sound Artists' Co-op. 

Owen Sound artist Jana Miller has been selected as the new manager. "Having pretty much grown up here, I truly feel like the members are my second family."

Miller, a long-time member of the Co-op and a graduate of the Jewellery and Metals Program at Georgian College, is excited for this step in her career. "I am looking forward to having more involvement in the Co-op behind the scenes such as sitting in on board meetings, facilitating new shows, assisting our guest artists, and bringing in some new young artists." Miller first became involved with the Artists' Co-op 21 years ago. "My mom was managing at the time and encouraged me to submit my jewellery for jurying. I got accepted as a young artist while I was still in high school." 

Her vision is to help more youth get involved in the arts. "We used to have a Next Generation program aimed at showcasing youth art and I want to bring that back. I want to give young people an opportunity to show and sell their art, and to offer my support in their careers, however I can." Other plans in the works for the Co-op include a Shopify store to grow online sales.

Prior to Miller filling the manager position, Riel Warrilow briefly held the role, but left to work next door at the Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts. "My mother, Caroline Menzies also managed the Co-op for many years. I absolutely have big shoes to fill as all of our previous managers have worked really hard," says Miller. 

While the past year and a half have been challenging with COVID and store closures, the Co-op has re-opened their doors under limited capacity.