JoJo and Bucky’s hosts working artists in action

By Olivia Jones
Sun contributor

Nobody knows the value of sharing creative expression quite like Rebecca Willis.

Willis and her partner, Jim, love living in Empire, but found themselves at a loss for space when it came to working on their various art projects. In a decision to improve their situation, the couple found a spot in November 2015 that they originally saw as a personal studio, but additionally opened to the public during the 2016 Asparagus Festival as “JoJo and Bucky’s,” a place where tourists and locals alike can shop while also seeing working artists in action.

Willis couldn’t be happier with the path that not only led her to opening her studio, but also to her own partner. “The people who come into the store like the uniqueness. There is a story behind it.”

In 1978, both Willis and Jim graduated from Grand Valley State University as majors in fine art. Jim, who was born and raised in northern Michigan, decided to raise his family in Vermont while Willis remained in downstate Michigan for 23 years. It wasn’t until 2012 that Willis made the move to northern Michigan, where she sought out Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor for a meal only to find herself being waited on by none other than Jim himself. “It was a miracle I even recognized him,” Willis remarks, baffled that she was able to identify him all those years later. “I knew when we got talking that I had met my creative match, and that was that.”

JoJo and Bucky’s, a name that originated from the couple’s grandchildren, has been around for only a year but Willis hopes that the budding art scene brings joy to the people of Empire. “Creativity can bring a certain sense of happiness,” she says. “I wasn’t looking for something that was going to get big and wild to where I couldn’t still enjoy the area.”

Both Willis and Jim usually spend their time enjoying the area through their work, capturing its beauty in the things they create. Since both are rather busy most days, it can be difficult to find time to explore other activities. However, they do enjoy the occasional, spontaneous car ride somewhere in the area they have not been before.

Currently, Jim is working on next year’s Asparagus Festival poster in addition to running the patio at Art’s Tavern. Tim Lewis, who usually made the posters, passed away early 2017, leaving Jim big shoes to fill. “Jim’s pieces are very colorful and playful,” Willis commented. “And so was Tim.”

With Jim’s increasing responsibilities in Glen Arbor, it is difficult for him to find the time to work on his art. “Before he had to be at Art’s at an earlier hour, he would be in the studio at 6 in the morning working on something,” Willis says. These days, Jim spends his time doing large creative projects during the winter months when tourism is scarce, while Willis is in the studio every day alone. She enjoys having people to come in, viewing it as a chance to interact with people from all walks of life.

Although JoJo and Bucky’s is more of a hidden treasure in Empire, Willis is fulfilled by what her and her partner’s work has done for the community. “I’m at a point in my life where I want to work on my creative work,” she says. “We have created a distinct look for the store. The people who come in like the vibe of it. They appreciate the things we create.”

The working studio’s charm is abundant inside the cozy space filled with whimsical, colorful artwork from the inside out. Not only are local sceneries painted upon canvases, but Willis’ handcrafted, metal jewelry pieces are also out on display. The space holds a wide variety of knick-knacks from wind chimes from across the world to specially made t-shirts designed by the couple themselves.

Willis encourages people to come in and see what she is working on. “If the flag flies outside, we’re open. It’s definitely worth coming in and experiencing it.”

JoJo and Bucky’s is located at 11840 South Lacore—on M-22 just south of the stoplight—in Empire.