Studio Gallery Space

March 12, 2024 | JP Dawes Artist

I have an application in for a regional studio tour. I have been in it in the past so I am keeping my fingers crossed. You don’t ever know what a jury is going to do! Hoping they publish jury results soon.

Whether it is for the tour or having some personal art open house events, I need to reconfigure some studio space. I have one corner that I used to store wool for weaving and rug hooking. Since I do neither any longer, I am making it into a gallery space. I am painting the walls and getting ready to make a hanging system. Boy are they expensive! I did a lot of research and found that I can buy all the parts needed to make my own gallery rail system for a tiny fraction of the cost. When the parts get here I will do a step by step tutorial on how I am making the system. I have nylon cord with ferrals to make loops that will then hang on the picture rail hooks. Those funny things are adjustable hooks for the cords. I will be able to use one cord and hang multiple small things from it.

Faux Floor

October 18, 2015 | JP Dawes Artist

What! No, not a fake floor, a real floor made to look like the wonderful stone cliffs here in Arkansas. A little gray jasper with a smattering of red clay. Ron rolled the base coat of transparent stain and I have been very slowly adding cracks and graining details. We want the first impression of the gallery/studio to be “oooooo”. Things like the floor matter to put our best face on.

Not Really Move-in Ready

October 16, 2015 | JP Dawes Artist

After the first blush of thinking the building was move-in ready we decided it isn’t. ***sigh*** But, it is much larger than our first estimate. Instead of 900 sq ft its more like 1500 sq ft.

The floor needs a transparent stain applied, old blinds have to come down, ceiling fans are nasty dirty and we won’t even mention the bathroom. We spent yesterday waiting for the gas company to turn on service, swept up the bugs that went to bug heaven after Ron sprayed, cleaned up left over misc. trash and cleaned mirrors.

Today we install some low shelves, install new locks and start personalizing the space. We are leaving one side open for gallery space. Rather than move the cases, my dry workspace will be on that side so I can utilize the shelving for supplies. The backroom will be the wet studio.

What a Cool Building!

October 13, 2015October 13, 2015 | JP Dawes Artist

I am in love with Arkansas stone buildings. Conservationists and restorers are doing a good job on the Private homes. The ones restored are just wonderful. Most of the buildings on the Mountain Home square are native stone too. Here is one of the buildings on the square.

See my cute little green 4×4 Tracker in front? Why you might ask is my car in the picture of a building? Why, Ron and I leased this cool building for a gallery and studio work space!