Goodbye downtown Richmond- a gallery closing and other distractions
31 07 2008An artist’s blog is a lot more challenging without being able to upload images, but I’ll give it my best shot until my studio computer gets de-virused (fingers crossed). As it is, I haven’t been painting much this past week as I’ve been all consumed with house guests, plus other changes and distractions (the good, the bad and the ugly).
The Good
Since I’ve become (mostly) an optimist in my old age, I’ll start with the good stuff. I’ve written before about plans to return to southern France to teach a workshop next year. The details are getting solidified now and I’ve put the info up on my website to get this ball rolling. This is very exciting for me as it is such a magical place and I can’t wait to share this experience with fellow artist-travelers. I’ve also got some other local workshops firmed up on my site too. See this page or the links in my sidebar for all my workshop info.
The Bad
Well, aside from the computer virus, there really isn’t any “bad” stuff; but who looks forward to packing and moving? Yes, the other big news is that as of October 31st I will be closing the downtown gallery space and moving to a private/by appointment studio (still in Richmond). And while at first glance it seems like a “bad” thing, it will actually be a very good thing for me personally (once the dust settles.)
Some would say that two years is not nearly long enough to judge a gallery’s (or any new business’) success or failure. I’d heartily agree. But it IS long enough for me to know if it’s supporting what’s most important to me. My passions in the art arena continue to be painting (in the studio and more and more en plen air), as well as traveling, and writing, teaching and learning, learning, learning. None of which really require a retail shop, and some of which actually conflict with having one.
Really, this gallery venture has served me well, as it has helped me to realize that what I wanted is pretty much what I’d already had all along (Doh! 
) It’s also enabled me to get out there and meet with some great people and new collectors, but hopefully this will continue even without my own gallery.
The Ugly
So nothing ugly’s gone down….. yet. But I am trying to prepare myself just a teensy bit for that possibility until the dust settles. What we’re wanting/hoping for is to build a home studio on our property. For all intents and purposes (and for resale purposes) this will be a garage, but I hope to fix it up to create a little cottage garden studio. Any way, this is my hope, and I will share my experiences here once we get futher along. (Boy, that last paragraph sure is full of hope!)
The wild card is that there is no telling how long this will take. We’ve gone through many floor plans and design plans already and we’re close, but we’re not there yet. If we have serious delays or if it doesn’t fly for whatever reason, then we’ll have to move on to plans B & C, which I won’t entertain here on the blog at this point. Let’s just say there are boxes involved. Lots and lots of boxes. 
Jennifer
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You are forgiven for no new paintings. No one envies you for your next few months. This will all be behind you by Spring? Hang in there, Jennifer.
Thanks Marilyn,
Well at least it’s not all “bad” and “ugly”. There’s a lot of “good” in there too. Yesterday we submitted yet another iteration of plans to a builder. He’s going to draw up the sketches in his CAD program. If we don’t have any major changes we will take them to the city and get our permit, and then we’re on our way. Spring? I am hoping for before that, but I told Dave that if my studio isn’t done this winter, he’ll just have to ship me off to Key West to do some plein air painting!
Jennifer,
I assume that a studio/garage would be at most 20X20? 400 sq.ft. Slab on grade with wood frame walls and an “A” roof. I suppose you will have some plumbing and you will insulate it and sheetrock. (tape and mud only). How will you heat it? A builder should finish something like this within 3 to 4 months TOPS from mobilization to “occupancy”. Do you have lot coverage issues to deal with?
Rick,
You’re pretty close. I forgot you were in the builing industry (or are you still?) As for heating, we’re still trying to figure that out. We wanted radiant floor heat, but so far all of the quotes are pretty high. The next option we’re seriously considering is a mini split heat pump. We’re talking with a builder to do the shell (which would include all of the bones, siding and roof) but we would have to do the finishing (drywall, floors, etc.)
The builder we’re talking to now specializes in garages and said once the foundation is laid he could have the shell up in two or three weeks. But there’s no telling how long the rest will take us.
When you say lot coverage issues, yes, we’re in the city and we have coverage and height restrictions and setback limitations, but we’re narrowing in on a design that I think will work nicely. Here’s hoping!
Change is in the air.
I wish you luck in all your new directions. Or, the return to your “new/ old” life.
I have received your info on the classes and I am so looking forward to it. I will get back to you soon on that. Thank you.
Amy
Yes, Amy. It’s back to the future! Thanks for your interest in my classes. Check my website for dates…I may have sent you my “first draft” dates, but I made a change. What’s on the website is firm though. It would be great to have you, though I know you have a lot going on in your life right now too.