A colourful knitted scarf encircles the trunk of a silver birch outside the small wooden cottage on Ardmore St, where a dedicated group of artists have been selling their wares for the best part of 20 years.
Formed in March 1992 at the end of an era of government-funded support for crafts initiatives, the co-operative has survived when many of its sisters did not.
"Karen Norris, and a couple of others, needed an outlet . . .
At the time, there were quite a few co-operatives around, including one in Alexandra (called Crafters).
The Government at the time funded a crafts council . . .
The crafts council does not exist now but it had an information pack on how to start and Artisans followed the Alexandra example.
No funding was provided. Members paid a joining fee. That was what got it going - that, and voluntary labour.
"These days we let people have a bit of a try first and see if it suits them," member Susan Manson explained.
Other artist groups operate throughout New Zealand, but the Wanaka members say a co-operative is distinguishable by its voluntary ethos and non-corporate structure.
About 90% of Artisans' wares are made in the Upper Clutha and Central Otago.
Members volunteer to run and maintain the shop and garden and all operating costs are met from commissions, which are meticulously recorded in a cash book.
In the co-operative's heyday, there were 16 members. Now there are eight.
Long-standing member Donald Paterson, of Lake Hawea, joined in 1992.
Mr Paterson said the income was not large and might not cover costs but Artisans was an outlet and could supplement other income sources.
Newest member Sara Johnston, a fibre artist and former librarian, signed up last year.
She finds art can be a solitary pursuit and enjoys the public contact Artisans provides.
Mrs Johnston got hooked on making kiwi and pukeko soft toys for sale after making some for the baby of a friend in the United States. She also felt it was important to offer her friend a locally-made gift.
Ms Manson said the recession and the Christchurch earthquake "has affected us and the world cup rugby did not create a tourism boom".
But they have been reassured the tenancy is secure and are scouting for new members.
