16 Main - Grand Opening

6/18/10

I previously posted my trip to see the Clay House during it's renovation into 16 Main, a community for artists in downtown Madison. A few weeks ago, I saw their grand opening. I much very impressed with their artwork in the gallery and the friendly artists that have their workspace here.

SA Hale

SA and Terry Hale I know because his son was with the homeschool group that I work at. Terry has moved her glass bead shop here and organizes the art and artists at 16 Main now. Here SA is all dressed up and ready to tell every the history of Madison.

A new chandelier in the gallery. This is one of the beautiful pieces they've added to the place during remodeling.

Gallery at 16 Main

Another view of the gallery, nicely arranged. This was taken in the natural light without the flash, which would ruin the great lighting effects from the paper latern.

The Madison Belles

Two of the Madison Belles sitting in a beautifully decorated chamber. I can't get enough of the design scheme here.

Classroom of 16 Main

A classroom, set up for glass beadmaking instruction. 16 Main will be offering instruction in many arts and crafts.

Clay Worker

A clay artist of 16 Main, Greg Lee, at his potter's wheel demonstrating his craft. Compare with my earlier photos of the unfinished garage during remodeling.

Potter's Hands

A close-up of a skilled artist creating.

Down the Well

Looking down the stairwell at a lovely koi painting created by one of the local artists.

Artistic Finishes

An artsy display at the entrance to a studio, Artistic Finishes, so the sign says. A nice little touch of gypsy.

Artist of 16 Main

Michele Lee shows her work in her studio.

The Empty Room

In a still empty room across the hall, waiting for an artist to claim a workspace.

Artist of 16 Main

Dianne Hart, telling about her work.

Art of 16 Main

A display of her artwork in her studio.

Art of 16 Main

Gourd work by Jules Weber in progess. The finished pieces for sale in the gallery are lovely fine-art pieces.

Art of 16 Main

Detail of a gourd in progess. Starting to carve out delicate, little holes.

Conversation

SA Hale speaking with one of the girls of the Madison Belles.

Cameo

One of the Madison Belles looking prim and proper.

Another Madison Belle looking demure.

Artist of 16 Main

Mike Birdsong in her studio (my favorite room in the house) with some of her pencil sketches in the background.

Hale's Belles

SA Hale and the Madison Belle's giving a presentation on Madison history. The Belles sometimes join SA on his Spirit Stroll, a walk around downtown with stories of the past and the many spirits that haunt Madison.  A Spirit Stroll was planned for the grand opening but the stroll part was rained out. Instead we got to hear the spirit tales from the comfort of the dry porch.