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Artists' Studios Opening on Monthly Uptown Event
October 2, 2008
By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY
Index-Journal Staff Writer
Greenwood, SC - Stroll through Meridian and you’re likely to hear a blow torch being used to shape glass, a hammer striking an anvil or the drone of an air-compressor.
You also might catch an artist putting paint to canvas or teaching an aspiring artist to draw.
Perhaps you’ll sit for someone to sketch your portrait, or arrange for art to be created on commission.
- If you haven’t checked out Meridian at 140 Maxwell Ave., visit the dozen artist studios there during First Friday events in Uptown Greenwood.
- Friday marks Meridian’s grand opening, with a ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m.
Besides offering work spaces for local artists to create, Meridian also provides a place where artists can sell their crafts and teach the public about the effort that goes into making art.
Dohnna Boyajian, an interior design consultant and pottery-maker, who has her own consignment art gallery -- Hands -- at the front of Meridian, said studio artists offer classes in their respective disciplines. |
Dohnna Boyajian, of the Hands consignment art gallery at the front of Meridian, has an eclectic mix of art for sale made by people from across the Southeast. (Staff photo by St. Claire Donaghy) | “Additionally, the artists at Meridian are starting to collaborate and (are) exploring new techniques,” Boyajian said.
Alice Rambo, an artist and designer at Meridian, said the interaction between the artists keeps them motivated.
“We get to ask opinions of each other and we are absolutely comfortable with the public coming in and asking questions about what we’re doing,” Rambo said.
Fellow Meridian artist Denise Waldrep said the studios are increasing the artists’ exposure.
“I have a studio at home, but it’s reclusive in there,” Waldrep said. “Here, people can see my work and take classes. I have a gut feeling this is going to be a vibrant place.”
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Among the other artists at Meridian are: Lori Hollloway (hand-crafted lampwork), Dan Vipperman (painting and graphic design), Marsha DuPre (origami and bookmaking), Ann Petzold (painting), Karen and John Johnson (painting), Debra Granquist (painting), Sue MacFarland (basketry and textiles), Ross MacTaggart (painting), Lynn Svennson (jewelry) and Christopher Price (digital art and Web design). |
This artists’ enclave -- which could become Greenwood’s equivalent to Greenwich Village -- is the brainchild of Greenwood photographer jon holloway, whose Sundance Gallery is next door to Meridian.
Meridian’s regular hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Visits also can be arranged by appointment.
However, during First Friday, Meridian and other Uptown Greenwood venues are open from 6-9 p.m.
- The cast and crew of "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" are ready to entertain folks at Greenwood Community Theatre during First Friday.
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About First Friday
| Begun in 2007, First Friday is a collaborative effort to introduce the community to the local arts scene. On the first Friday night of every month, you're invited to explore participating Uptown venues, enjoy art, people watch, eat at Uptown restaurants and mingle. |
| Some Uptown businesses have sidewalk sales and offer discounts to First Friday patrons. Most activities are free and take place between 6 - 9 p.m. Maps showing locations for all First Friday events are available at many Uptown businesses before the First Friday of the month. For more information, visit www.uptowngreenwood.com or call the Arts Center at the Federal Building at (864) 388-7800.
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