By Carolyn Ellis
When I first started exhibiting artwork in Athens in 2012, I was struck by how much local interest and support there was for art in what I saw as quite a small town (Remember I’m from Washington, DC!). Here in 2016, I find myself even more amazed by how active and thriving the art scene is here in Athens! If you’d love to be an artist, perhaps even an artist in Athens were it’s greatly appreciated, taking this alcohol ink art course may be in your best interest.
Here are some examples of what I’m talking about: In just this one month of February, abstract artist Sky Copeland has opened Copeland Gallery at 217 N.Palestine and local fiber artist Sherry Searcy has begun showing her gorgeous hand dyed scarves and fabrics (Wearable Art!) at the Robin Clark Collection at 215 N.Palestine!
Right next door to these two newest art venues, of course, is well established Gallery 211 (211 N.Palestine), which continues to attract a growing number of artists, and mount totally intriguing shows – including the totally fun and wildly varied 1960s themed exhibit showing right now at 211!
With Charlie Bullock’s Studio/Gallery/School just around the corner from N. Palestine, and ZEN and Beauty Salon, and the soon to open Athens Brewing Co., both of which have major art exhibits, all in the very same square block as the N. Palestine St. art venues, Athens can now boast of having its own developed Arts District right in the center of town! Quite a feat for a town of 12,000, don’t you think?
Getting support for art from local businesses is a huge deal for artists! In my own case, Callaway Coffe, ZEN and Beauty Salon, and the Cain Center, have been showing my artwork for someone now. I know other artists are also showing in local offices and shops. If you are looking for art for your office or business feel free to contact Gallery 211 or me, via Facebook at Carolyn Ellis Art!
Most recently, just last week in fact, I approached Traci Wilkes, the owner of Reigning Jewels Fine Jewelry here in Athens, about possibly collaborating on an event together only to discover that, over the last month or more, Traci had been thinking of doing just such an event! Right on the spot we decided on a St. Patrick’s Day Trunk Show (Thurs., March 17, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) at Reigning Jewels, featuring two brand new jewelry lines, a full exhibit of my abstract art work, and a display of Sherry Searcy’s fabulous hand dyed scarves and fabrics! How cool is that?!
The coming together in one Trunk Show, of fine jewelry, abstract art, and hand dyed fabrics is an eloquent testimony of how open and supportive the Athens business community is to the arts! Any wonder I’m so happy to be an artist here in Athens?