By Carolyn Ellis/Special to HCN
Overflowing as I am with creativity this time of year, it’s no surprise that I have been putting a lot of energy into trying to find new local venues for my artwork. Last month I landed enough space at Callaway Coffee and Bistro to exhibit eight paintings and six pen and inks. This month, attorney Samuel Smith of Samuel Smith Law at 219 N. Palestine has kindly allowed me to rent an unused conference room, which has its own entrance to the street, for the months of April and May, meaning for at least two months I have my own studio – Studio 219 – right in the heart of the Athens Art District!
Month to month rentals are unusual anywhere, so as you might guess I am very grateful to Attorney Smith for allowing me to set up a full studio directly next to his office for a couple of months! Open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., anyone interested in an up close and personal experience of bold, powerful, abstract art is more than welcome to come by and see what I am up to! (An informal drum circle happens daily at noon!)
It surely is a beautiful thing to see how local businesses are reaching out and supporting the arts in Athens. Just last month, for example, I was involved in a one day Trunk Show at Reigning Jewels Fine Jewelry, here in town, where I was able to show a good deal of artwork. Through this event, I connected with agents from Jeremy Millar Allstate Office, which led to my being asked to exhibit a 30″ x 40″ painting at the Allstate Office on Corsicana Street. Many other places in town are also inviting artists to exhibit work! How cool is that! Truly our whole “village” here in Athens is indeed allowing more and more art to reach people.
Later this month, Saturday, April 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., there is going to be a whole Art Extravagnza centered at Gallery 211 (211 N.Palestine), which will take in the entire square block surrounding 211 and include all sorts of art, live music, wine tastings, BBQ and more! A number of businesses located within the Art District square block will be showing art and receiving visitors as well.
Truly Athens is a great place to be an artist. Having my little studio at 219 N. Palestine is like icing on the cake for me. Giving thanks!