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.
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.
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!
This is exciting and exhausting. More to come later. We have lots to do to get this ready for move in.
Janice Paine Dawes, Artist 