There are times when the best laid plans do indeed work out.

In Lopez village, the new ‘open’ sign outside Lopez Island’s Co-op of Fine Crafters, or Lo-Co for short, shows just how well some plans can come together.

“It was an impromptu conversation outside the post office,” said Shannon Hoffman, explaining the origins of the idea. Hoffman, and fellow Lo-Co founders Mari Corrigan, and Adrian and Carolyn Cameron, discovered that they shared an ambition: A place to exhibit their work that did not take too large a commission.

They found that the percentages taken by galleries made it economically prohibitive for them to work full-time on their art. “We had all been thinking the same thing,” said Corrigan. Carolyn added, “We wanted to find another way to show (our work).”

The solution evolved into the idea of an artist’s co-op. The four envisaged a community of artists that would share the maintenance and running costs of a gallery, and in return have a place to exhibit.

It took only a few short months from those first conversations to finding an exhibition place in Lopez Village. Lo-Co is on the same block as the Chamber of Commerce. All four founders agree that it is just the right size and situation, and catches enough light. The group said they walked into the space and said “this is it.”

Lo-Co will have a grand opening on April 1, watch The Islands’ Weekly for details. The space was not the only thing that fell into place. With convenient timing, the Lopez Island Pharmacy was looking to dispose of some shelves and display cabinets. What once held greeting cards, candy and nick nacks now displays the jewelry and photography crafted by the founders.

There is still plenty of space that needs to be filled.Lo-Co is sending out an invitation for any artists in San Juan County to contact them about exhibiting.

“We had out first inquiry from Orcas,” said Adrian.

Those at Lo-Co are adamant that anybody can approach them about exhibiting. Hoffman said many of the artists have “come out of the woodwork” and have not exhibited before. The system that the four have put in place is based around three exhibition contracts. Artists can show for either 12 months, six months, or three months.

For more information, call Lo-Co on 468-3818 or e-mail at lopezfinecraft@yahoo.comand to make an appointment for a viewing.