Janaica Anderson found the idea on social media where she’s connected with several artists around the state and seen how they’ve created or contributed to galleries. She was inspired by the idea and decided to build one, knowing it would be the first in the area.

As an artist herself, she was excited to see what could come from the idea.

Anderson and her husband repurposed a cupboard to create the gallery itself. With both of them having construction backgrounds, they worked to add a window to make it see-through and she added a roof. Anderson then painted it in bright colors, hoping it would stand out.

“I made it nice and colorful,” she said. “I thought it was a good expression of my work as well: lots of colors.”

Courtesy Photo The Free Little Art Gallery, located at 208 Wisner St. in Alpena, is seen with several works of art on display and to be exchanged by members of the community. Painted rocks, paintings, cards, bookmarks, jewelry, and more can all be seen donated to the gallery.

The gallery, commonly referred to on social media as FLAG, is located at 108 Wisner St. in Alpena.

There are four rules that Anderson tries to uphold: all artwork must be handmade (or you can donate new/gently used art supplies), artsy submissions must be family-friendly, artworks should be small in size (preferably six inches or smaller), and you may adopt one piece of artwork but are encouraged to contribute another piece or supply before adopting a second.

When she opened the gallery at the end of August, she started by showcasing painted stones, a hobby she’s continued for a while, as she used to leave them around town. The bottom shelf of the gallery was dedicated to the rocks, where people could add their own with whatever design or saying they imagined.

“I do lots of doodles and other things in addition to the painted stones,” she said about the contents of the FLAG. “We’ve also had some jewelry that’s gone in there and different art pieces we’ve gotten from other states. We received oil pastels and wood-block prints. Even the kiddos get little sketches in there as well.”

Since it’s fairly new, Anderson said community contributions have been limited, but she’s hoping to see it pick up as word gets around. She also mentioned that she looks forward to the summertime when tourists and more people are in the area and can check it out.

Courtesy Photo A miniature ghost painting is seen on a little easel in the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena.

“We keep encouraging people and posting to local groups to try and get the word out,” she said. “I’ve put little business cards around town on bulletin boards just to try to catch someone’s eye.

“Everyone thinks it’s a really cool idea,” she continued, when asked about how the community has responded to her social media posts and account. “They think it’s a cool community project to get people engaged and involved. Even if you don’t think you’re creative yourself, you can come and enjoy the artwork that’s in there. If you find something you like, you’re welcome to keep it. You’re not expected to make stuff and put it in there just to take something.”

Originally, Anderson said she held off on making the social media accounts until the process was up and running and she had a better understanding of what other FLAG accounts looked like.

For local artists, she encourages them to leave their work in the drop-box below the gallery. She said it ensures that she sees and can take photos of the work before it’s circulated again. She encourages artists willing to have their work shared on her social media pages, to include their names and social media handles.

“It’s exciting and it’s like getting presents,” Anderson said about looking through the drop-box each day. “They’re presents that came to me but are not for me. It’s a gift I get to share with everybody. It’s fun, it’s exciting.”

Courtesy Photo A card with “You’re one in melon” printed on the front was donated to the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena to be exchanged for other art.

She said artists who also have their own FLAGs in Gaylord and Cheboygan often make their way to their area to share their work. She’s also received mailed-in submissions, including from a street artist from Chicago who contributes stickers and a “graffiti-take” on address labels, she said.

Around Halloween and throughout the fall, Anderson encouraged the community and other contributors to make their artwork themed for the time of year. She hoped it would shake things up and maybe even receive more contributions.

“And you can make anything, whether you have proper art supplies or not,” she said.

She did say, however, that people have contributed art supplies in exchange for different artworks. She said it’s a great way for those who maybe aren’t as creative to make a trade and be a part of the process.

Anderson said she’s trying to keep a stockpile for the lulls, but she also is creating work herself to replace what’s been taken or maybe to switch things up when certain items have stuck around for a while.

Courtesy Photo The dropbox attached to the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena is seen full of donated art items to be shared with the community. The gallery is located at 108 Wisner St. in Alpena.

When supply gets low, she’s quick to put the word out about needing more art.

As an artist herself, Anderson’s been working on selling her art for a while now, seeing most success at in-person events like art fairs and craft shows in the area. She said she plans on promoting the FLAG at any upcoming events.

Her work, mostly paintings with acrylic and watercolor, can also be seen and sold online at her social media sites. More information can be found on her website at janaicaandersonart.com.

“I want it (the FLAG) to be all-inclusive,” she said. “It’s another way for me to create. And the community involvement in itself — it just gives you the good feels. To get people involved and to have them interact with it and feel comfortable enough to get their work out there. There’s been some really cool pieces that have come though … It doesn’t have to be huge and it’s not meant to be expensive. It’s free.”

Courtesy Photo A magnet was created to be circulated in the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena.

Courtesy Photo Painted rocks are seen before being placed in the Little Free Art Gallery in Alpena. Janaica Anderson started the community-involved project with various rock designs, asking others to share and exchange theirs.

Courtesy Photo A crocheted “Worry Worm” is seen with a poem attached to it. It was donated to the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena.

Courtesy Photo A snowman made of various materials is placed in the Free Little Art Gallery in Alpena. The gallery welcomes new artwork all the time.