Art for All: Space for local artists and craftspeople ready to open
Haley Wright, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
A new home for local artists called Art on the Ridge is launching this month in a repurposed portion of warehouse space just off Clairemont Avenue. at 525 Park Ridge Court in Eau Claire. Art on the Ridge is the joint effort of sisters Bobbie DeVoll and Shelly Swerman, and will offer art workshops and classes, a twice-monthly art market featuring the handmade art of local artists, and a rental space for artists and gatherings.
“After recently selling our recycling business, I wanted to ignite my passion in a rewarding business adventure in the art and crafting world, not to mention my love for Pinterest is never-ending,” DeVoll said. She is opening this business venture in part of the warehouse she and her husband, Greg, used for their business, First Choice Computer Recycling from 2002 until they sold it in the past year.
Art on the Ridge will offer a variety of classes and workshops taught by local artists and craftspeople. DeVoll says classes will include painting on canvas, glassware, paper, metal, furniture, and clay; upcycling wood pallets into signs and trays; acrylic paint and resin pouring workshops, and classes on mosaics, jewelry, drawing, and fiber arts. She plans to serve beverages and snacks during workshops and is licensed to sell beer and wine coolers as well. All art supplies will be provided, and knowledgeable instructors will provide step-by-step instructions. Art on the Ridge also takes care of clean up when you’re finished.
In addition to classes, Art on the Ridge will host an indoor art market on the first and second Saturday of each month featuring exclusively local makers and artists. DeVoll said the markets will feature only handmade art and decor, and the monthly events will be juried. They have eight rooms for vendor space to rent per event. Artists interested in participating in the art markets are welcome to contact DeVoll to reserve space.
Art on the Ridge has rooms to rent for those who are interested in hosting a meeting, event, or party for an afternoon, evening, day, week, or even monthly. The space is available for rent by artists and for different gatherings.
DeVoll is always looking for artists, and skilled crafters to teach classes at Art on the Ridge. More information is available on Art in the Ridge’s Facebook page: facebook.com/artontheridge.
DeVoll is also working on setting up a website for the business, where services will be listed.
