Thursday, April 05, 2012

Anything is Possible

So I didn't win the big grant from Intuit- that's OK.

What if I could design my dream studio anyway-what would it look like?
What would I have in it? Such possibility....

Let's begin at the front of the studio and work our way back

Big windows suitable for designing awesome displays - double paned and energy efficient
the door needs to be a screen door and then a door so I can have my door open on nice days without getting leaves and pigeon feathers blowing in. I love fresh air!

If this place was big enough it could a cooperative space where other creative people could have space to work and collaborate. Like Camp Omaha Co working

The store space can be pretty much what it is now with light wood floors and and enough open space for  my loom and all it's accessories. Plus a space to have a sewing machine out at all times- for making Zombie Pets and designing these tops I have had floating around in my head for the past 4 years! Or when a student needs to sew some paper for one of their projects.


A reading area with all my art reference books and magazines and a computer for looking things up. Yes, you would be welcome to stop by and go through my books and borrow one or two - as long as you bring them back. A table here would be nice to have so you can spread out as you do research. It would be social and working at the same time.

A fireplace in this room for when it's really cold out because weaving and fireplaces go so well together. And I spend so much time in my studio I would get more use out of it than at home :)
The class room would be big enough for 10 people to move around comfortably with ample storage of supplies plus storage for projects. There would be a place for coats and backpacks too! And two sinks -deep ones! And one with as commercial spray hose. Cement floors like I have now are critical. The kids are more comfortable when they don't have to worry about keeping the floor pretty. In fact an art room floor with some paint splatters adds character in my humble opinion.  There would also be space to store recycled materials - like cardboard tubes, and plastic lids and containers, egg cartons and other disposable stuff. Some people are savers and they need a place to donate the excess stuff!  If you were a teacher and you needed a dozen or more egg cartons wouldn't it be great to have a place to go where you could get some- without sending out tons of notes home begging parents to save it for you?

Don't forget the kitchenette - it's own area with an apartment sized fridge and freezer. And space for microwave, toaster oven and iced tea maker and a mini bar sink.

Then there would be an outside space part sun part awning shaded with a water source too - preferably with a deep utility sink. This is where we could do really messy things like batik, wool spinning,  tie dye and paper making. We could set things out in the sun to let them dry faster. I might even consider teaching adult classes if I had a space like this. We could drink wine and create. Have art retreats over a weekend.
And of course there needs to be a table with comfy chairs to sit and visit with friends who stop by.

Lots of parking for everyone who drops off or picks up kids for classes so they don't have to cross the street.  And outside the front of the building a place for outdoor murals that would change as often as we created them.

Oh I could keep going ......

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