I love Franklinton Fridays, that once-a-month happening when we open our studios to the general public and people come by. But that’s just once a month and some months I won’t be in town. Did I even mention that this past April and May, I paid to be “on the wall” at an artist cooperative gallery in Granville, OH (about 30 miles east of me). I was impressed by Jeff Watkins (co-founder/Owner along with Lee Anne Faler) and by the quality of work that they carried. Even though I only sold a few pieces I felt the opportunity to be ‘on display’ was educational, and being in a group with other artists is always nice; so I told Jeff that if he ever got an opening for another partner that I was interested. I always feel like I’m psychic about stuff like this and being ready for an opportunity allows me to see it when it comes. Jeff contacted me a few weeks ago and as of September 1st, I am a Partner at Art@43023.
That means: 1) that I am in the gallery, on average, once a week for a shift behind the counter, 2) that I get to help host the monthly artist receptions (normally held the first Saturday of the month from 6-8pm), and 3) that I have permanent space in which to display my art. And yes, I’ve already sold two small encaustics but it isn’t really so much about the selling as it is about meeting people, seeing what they see as they look at art, talking about art and especially, learning how to talk about my process and my art.
I was amazed at how many people from other parts of Ohio and beyond end up visiting Granville and stopping by the gallery. Granville is the home to Denison University, a small private liberal arts college. Granville itself is a “Village” with a population of over 5,000 people. I find the downtown absolutely charming and the coffee place across the street makes great coffee and carries gluten-free cinnamon rolls. If you look careful at the window reflection above you can see a little bit of Americana. The pictures below show the view coming in the door (my section is on the back wall and needs another string of paintings), looking out from the counter, and a couple of my encaustics (one of which has already found a new home).
Art@43023 is located at 123 E. Broadway, Granville OH 43023. Hours: Thursday and Friday 4-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sundays 12-4pm.
