Santa is coming to MiM for photos again this year! Dates TBD.
We also offer classes
MiM is dedicated to encouraging the development of arts and crafts in our Mariposa, CA community. We offer very low-cost classes for adults and children, as well as free classes for younger children.
New Events:
Artist of the month (OctoBer)
Robert Cooper, Cooper's Dream Jewelry
Cooper has spent his life following a vision that’s always been a little bigger than the world around him. Born with a disability that affected his left arm, he grew up learning early that giving up was never an option. He worked hard, played sports, traveled for tennis well into his forties, and built a life full of grit, spirit, and creativity. Some call it resilience, but Cooper says it’s just the way he’s wired--you keep going, no matter what.
After working for the U.S. Postal Service and selling antiques and collectibles for decades, Cooper retired in 2002 and made his way to Mariposa. That’s where his beadwork truly took shape. He often says the beads “talk” to him, guiding how each piece is made.
For a long time, he and his wife Judy worked side by side. They were known for always holding hands, for their love of animals, and for the quiet way Judy helped him bring his jewelry to life, making sure every piece was just right. Her lucky number was three, and she passed away on March 3, 2023, a day that carried her spirit with it.
Cooper’s dream for Made in Mariposa was simple: good people, creative work, and a place where talent and heart could shine, no matter the odds. Living with the effects of ableism his whole life never stopped him, it shaped him. His story is one of true inclusion, grit, and the belief that dreams don’t quit when life gets hard. They grow stronger, one step, one bead, one memory at a time.
About Us
Our Members
Made in Mariposa (MiM) is a collective of local producers offering various goods, products, and art from shops in Mariposa, CA. These mariposa stores reflect the unique creativity and craftsmanship found in this charming town.
Our History
MiM was created in 2016 with the assistance of a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Initially, MiM was managed by the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce and was situated at the Visitors Center, one of the popular mariposa ca stores. In 2022, members of MiM took over management and established it as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. In May 2023, the MiM store relocated to its current location and is now staffed by unpaid volunteers, contributing to the diverse selection of mariposa shops and mariposa stores available in the area.
Our Mission
To raise awareness and demand for the high-quality manufactured goods, arts, and agricultural produce of Mariposa County, while reflecting regional values and principles of stewardship, conservation, and fair labor practices, for the economic benefit of local industry, we encourage support for Mariposa CA stores, Mariposa shops, and other stores in Mariposa CA.