The end...or should we say the beginning!

It's been an extremely long 2-1/2 years but we finally made it!  When we look back at how far we've come we're kind of amazed!  Our dream has become a reality and our studios are now open!!

For those of you unfamiliar with what we offer, here it is in a nutshell:

We offer studio space and equipment on an hourly rental basis.  You do not have to be taking a class. We have a painting/drawing studio, a printmaking studio with a Conrad E-37 etching press, a pottery studio with 6 Brent wheels and a large electric kiln, and a B&W photography darkroom with 2 enlargers.

All studio access is $10/hour; $55 day; $95/week or $150/month.

No commitments!  No memberships!  Just come down and create on your own terms!

We also offer instruction in all areas by top notch teachers.  Classes begin first week of April.

Drop by and take a look around!  We are open:
Tuesday 10-9
Wednesday: 12-10
Thursday-Saturday 10-9
Sundays 1-8
Closed on Mondays

Visit our website at www.theartestablishmentstudios.com or call us at 610-807-9201.

We're getting there!

Things are really moving along!  We had our building inspection yesterday and it went well, except for a few minor things we need to do/fix.  Nothing we can't handle.  We are in the process now of having all of the electrical work done - and there was a lot of it!  We practically had to have the entire place rewired.  Our electrician would work on one outlet and find that the wires were bare or the wrong size, and have to rewire it.  Everything he touched seemed to open another can of worms.  I guess when you're dealing with a 100 year old building, things like this are bound to happen.  It turned out to be a MAJOR job, but it's more than halfway done.  In the next couple of weeks, he's going to wire the pottery studio for the wheels and kilns and do various other work downstairs, and then that phase of the project will be done.  (Phase, get it?  Electrical humor).

Tom and I are in the process of cleaning and setting up, as well as finishing the million little details that need to be done.  But we have made major progress since our last post, as we hope the following pictures will attest to!

The press is moved upstairs and set up

The front desk/reception area is all set up

A peek behind the front counter

Some really cool drafting files we scored last year - they'll hold paper and some retail supplies like brushes and paints

The comfy lounge is all set up.

Starting to fill the coffee table with art books

The gallery lighting has been installed

The private lesson room is all set up

The basement is really shaping up!  Floor painted, new paneling on the back wall and a fresh coat of paint on the
right wall and support beams.

The rendering studio is being set up with easels and stools.

The pottery studio is just waiting for the wheels to be set up