An Annapolis business is showcasing artists' work in one of the city's most coveted locations: Main Street.

Local By Design, 109 Main St., features the work of 52 local artists, many of whom use Annapolis as inspiration. The store subleases space to artists, a business model that owners say gives artists access to Main Street's foot traffic while making sure they have a strong investment in the store.

“We find they take pride in the space. They have skin in the game,” said Susan Sears, one of the store's co-owners.

The idea originated from co-owner Suzi Jett's Gallery 3976, a studio based in the Annapolis Design District that's shared by 12 small businesses. Jett found many local artists lacked a “home base” where people could find or buy their work on a consistent basis. Many, she said, would rely on craft fairs for business.

Though the store might look narrow, Local By Design has depth. The store sells furniture, pottery, clothing, accessories, home decor items and has a small art gallery. Many of the items have nautical themes or are “preppy-chic,” Jett said.

The artists' rent can range from $150 to $500. The higher the rent price, the larger the space and the better the location in the store.

Sears and Jett handpick the artists featured in the store in order in order to have a cohesive theme among the items. Through an online portal, the artists can see which of their pieces have been sold. The owners will also send tips of what kinds of items are selling the best among customers.

They aren't shy about telling their artists if they need to bring in new work if their current pieces aren't selling.

“It doesn't do us any good if these artists aren't thriving,” Sears said.

Jewelry designer Laura Moore, who has a display at Local By Design, said the store's concept is a unique idea. Many local artists don't have a website, let alone a store on Main Street, Moore said

“They want the artists to be invested in it and give it a sense of ownership,” said Moore, who owns Laura Moore Designs.

The jewelry designer also helped plan Local By Design's first “buy local” event Friday, where 10 percent of the day's sales were donated to the Annapolis Maritime Museum.

When the Sears and Jett were looking to give back, Moore suggested a drive to help the museum, since many of the store's most popular items are inspired by sailing.

Moore, an advocate for the Chesapeake Bay, hopes the fundraiser will inspire other artists to plan events for the organizations that they support.

The goal, Jett said, is to have the buy local events once a month.

The money will go toward the museum's education center, said Alice Estrada, executive director of the museum.

M.K. Richardson, the museum's development manager, said most local businesses wait after opening before contributing to the community.

“For them to establish in two months and give back,” she said,” it's great what they're doing.”