In this thread, evidence of WARM’s self-directed and community-oriented approach to running its organization is apparent in the story of Wet Paint, an art materials store in St. Paul, Minnesota. This story—which begins with early WARM member Beth Bergman—epitomizes the collective’s resourcefulness in utilizing the talents of its members to succeed and thrive. The business approach and philosophy of Wet Paint reveals the importance of supporting local art and artists in a way that pursues a better vision of the art world. 

Wet Paint is a fixture in the Twin Cities. The store is known for its wide array of art materials, knowledgeable and helpful staff, and for sponsoring many area art events. Beth Bergman, early WARM member and founding gallery member, purchased the store in 1984. Using her combined analytical business skills and creative art skills, she built the business into a  nationally recognized leader in the industry. Bergman always believed in supporting art and artists, offering benefits to full-time employees and creating an engaging work environment that relied on the knowledge of the artists who worked there, effectively combating the starving artist trope. By providing the stability of fair wages and benefits to artists, Wet Paint fostered a work environment that ensured artists could spend less time worrying about paying the bills, and more time pursuing their artistic goals. Bergman retired from Wet Paint in 2016, but the store maintains the principles she put into practice.

As a long-time employee of Wet Paint, Paige Tighe is one of many artists who has shared material knowledge with art supply customers in the Twin Cities. In addition to painting and drawing, Tighe pursues her vision of performative art; one that engages others through simple, thoughtful actions such as holding hands and walking.