Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay VanDyke.
Hi Kay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am an architect, old enough to relax and do community work. But having just moved from Seattle and a demanding job, I was bored, so in 2010 I bought a building on Main Street, renovated it and started a non-profit art center called “Arts on Main”, right at the low point of the depression. It has helped Main Street recover, has been popular (really encouraged local art and Main Street businesses) and the current management are still doing well.
Stuck at home during COVID, I got excited about doing more . In 2024 I bought another building on Main Street that was crying out for help, and started a co-working operation, hoping to encourage new businesses and artists with low-cost offices or studios. With the help of local non-profits, (The Cook Foundation and the Main Street Preservation Trust) we were able to renovate the building and open on May 1, 2025. We now have 5 tiny offices and a large open area with a conference room to offer those needing space to work. It is named Art/Work, Co-Work in the Village.
Over the last year, we have had several small businesses rent space. Some have failed and left, some have grown and left. Others seem to be thriving. One artist runs an art class on Monday mornings. A writer has rented space. We had a student that studied here every night until he passed his entry exams. We currently have 2 offices free. We offer free WiFi, free coffee, accessible restrooms, use of the conference room, and a friendly staff.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being familiar with the construction process, I was not put off by the chaos it creates, but you can imagine it is not easy to balance the finances with schedules, supplies, & marketing. My son helped with the contracting and my daughter with comfort. One of my granddaughters had just obtained her degree in business admin and did a brilliant job of helping to manage the building renovation and creation of the co-working business.
When we opened, we found that this rural county was not familiar with the co-working concept. We had to do lots of advertising and listings on Facebook & Instagram. For awhile, there was a waiting list but currently we have too much space available. So marketing is my hard place.
During this entire period, I was also accepting architectural design work. Was able to help a couple non-profits renovate, design several residences, help with some small projects, consult on commercial spaces.
As you know, we’re big fans of ART/WORK, Co-Work in the Village. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Co-Working is set up to make it easy to start a business. The space is available, there is no deposit required, monthly rent is deleted automatically so no one has to bill you, no checks to write. The staff can receive packages, answer enquires, direct customers to your office or the restrooms, There is a printer available, along with other office equipment. The snack bar provides free coffee and snacks. A refrigerator can store your lunch. A keycode gives you access to your office 24/7.
We are the only co-work operation set up this way in Gloucester VA at this time. There are several in Newport News, which is 30 minutes away. I believe there are none north of us until you hit Washington DC area,
In addition to the every-day user, we offer day-passes for those only needing a short work period. Visiting relatives or company members needing a quiet private place for a day or two are welcome.
We are also eager to support the local artist community with studios, classrooms, and exhibits.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I found that encouraging the arts in this rural community had a surprisingly strong upward effect on the economy. There is research that points at this effect, but I had not run across it before. Not only did the businesses on Main Street feel the increased income from traffic and tourists, but the whole County began to be proud of their art industry. The Cook Foundation had been sponsoring an annual Art Festival, which really brought in visitors and artists from everywhere.
I am hoping that more artists will take advantage of our studio space. I am also thinking of the operation here as an incubator for small business. Someone that started working from home can graduate to a $95 monthly membership where using the space a few days a month or for meetings becomes their next phase, on the way to needing a full office.
Pricing:
- Monthy Basic Membership $95
- Tiny 8×10 Office $400 monthly
- Day Pass $19.95
- Student Membership $50 monthlly
- 8×12 Office $600 monthly
Contact Info:
- Website: https://awvillage.com
- Instagram: artwork.cowork.village
- Facebook: ArtWork Co-work in the Village
