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Four months after its grand opening in Valley Junction, Original Creative Designs showcases work from more than 35 local artists and boasts its “buy-local” motto.

“It just goes into the buy-local theme and truly supporting local business,” said Jen Chedester, one of the store’s five partners, “because everyone here is an Iowa expert, producer or artist.”

The store, which is owned and operated by five local women, most of whom have day jobs outside the store, sells a variety of artwork and crafts, including jewelry, dolls, chocolate sculptures, photography and painted furniture.

Marty Davis said that since the store has opened, she and the other partners have been approached weekly by new artists wanting to display and sell their work in the store; it provides artists a venue where they can display their work when they are not participating in trade shows. Yet Davis explained that before an artist can begin selling work in the store, all five partners must vote on whether the proposed artwork fits in with the store’s vision.

“We have official meetings, and everyone gets their say,” said Marilyn Lanman, one of the partners.

Lanman explained that the “jury” selection process has been established to ensure that all artwork complements rather than competes with other pieces in the store.

“I’m amazed at how willing (artists) are to share information,” said Lanman, whose specialty is jewelry-making. “We have four different jewelry people in here right now, and I voted (yes) on all four of them, and I don’t think I have necessarily lost any business, because we are all fairly niche.”

The women said Valley Junction is the ideal place for a niche store such as Original Creative Designs because the small-town feel inhibits competitive feelings and adds to the “buy-local” theme of the store.

“The people have responded beautifully to the buy-local (aspect),” Davis said.

“(Valley Junction) has almost a small-town Iowa feel to it because the people are friendly. We’ve really had good acceptance from other businesses here.”

Lanman said the partners looked at other locations, such as the East Village, but preferred Valley Junction’s pedestrian traffic over the motorized traffic that travels through the East Village, and also noted Valley Junction’s tourist appeal.