Help The Artificery Annex Find Its Forever Home

Hi, I’m Adam, owner of The Artificery and The Artificery Annex - a seasonal small shop in the heart of Hart, Michigan.

We specialize in imported snacks, wild drinks, and geeky treasures you won’t find at the gas station. Since opening, locals and tourists alike have made us a favorite stop for weird chips, collectible candies, and fandom finds - all carefully curated in a tiny chalet at the Hart Commons.

The building we were in for our first season disappears after summer. I’ve recently secured a permanent location here in Hart - it's a solid foundation and a big step forward. The space is small - a bit run down, and yeah, a little stinky - but it fits our full product lineup and even has room for a full-size gaming table for casual events. That said, it's already at capacity, with no room to grow or expand long-term. We need a space that truly fits our full vision and allows us to keep building momentum.

What We’re Doing

For our first funding milestone, we’re raising an initial $12,000 in capital to help The Artificery take the next big leap - purchasing or building out a true forever home. Our goal is to move beyond just a shop and create a full destination space that includes:

* A larger year-round retail storefront

* Dedicated space for tabletop gaming

* A maker space for creative workshops and crafting

* Room to host community events and classes

We’re starting with a small but realistic goal to help us prepare and grow toward that vision - but we’re also keeping our eyes on something much bigger.

One dream scenario? The former Dale and Gail's Music and Art Gallery in downtown Hart - a stunning historic building with a theater stage, gallery space, and multiple upstairs apartments. It's listed at $425,000 and would be a one-of-a-kind home for The Artificery. With the right support, we could preserve the creative spirit of that building and prevent it from being stripped down and turned into generic apartments by future developers. It’s a place with heart, history, and room to build something lasting.

Whether we renovate or build new, this first round gets us closer to that dream. Our public goal may increase if we gain early momentum - every dollar brings us closer to making it real.

With this support, we can:

* Begin building an online store so our non-local friends and supporters can shop with us anytime

* Secure or renovate a permanent home

* Move inventory and build out shelving and signage

* Expand our selection for year-round visitors

* Launch a proper grand reopening

Why It Matters

The Artificery isn’t just a snack shop. It’s a place to explore, laugh, and discover something new. Most importantly, it's designed to be an inclusive, welcoming space for everyone - a safe haven where people of all backgrounds, identities, and interests can come together over shared passions.

It’s a small-town business with big character - and we’ve already seen how much the community wants it to stick around.

But without room to grow, we risk hitting a ceiling far too early.

This GoFundMe isn’t just a bridge - it’s the key to our future.

Ways to Support

* Donate any amount - every dollar helps

* Share this with local friends, foodies, and fandom lovers

* Claim one of our special thank-you rewards below

Supporter Rewards

* $25+ - Name on our Founder's Wall and sticker pack

* $50+ - Limited-run wooden Artificery Supporter Coin (10% lifetime discount) + all previous rewards

* $100+ - Metal Supporter Card (20% lifetime discount) + your name on our Founder's Wall + all previous rewards

* $500+ - Named shelf on our Founder's Wall with your favorite items on it + all previous rewards

How to Claim Your Reward

After donating:

1. Leave your email in the comment OR

2. Message me directly through GoFundMe so I can reach out

3. If you’re comfortable, include your mailing address for physical rewards

4. Tell me how you'd like your name listed on our Founders Wall (if eligible)

If I don’t hear from you, I’ll try to reach out - but it helps a lot if you contact me first!

Let’s keep this weird little shop alive.

Thanks for being part of it. I can’t wait to see where we go next.

Adam

The Artificery