Studio Construction - One Year Later

It was one year ago today that we passed our final inspection on the studio and I started moving in!Construction took 8 months and we literally did the work ourselves. We learned so much about zoning, construction, building codes, regulations, nail guns, and electrical! The only tasks we didn't tackle were pouring the concrete slab, plumbing and drywall. We brought in the experts for that.

So, I thought I'd take a moment and reflect on some of the construction milestones...

Getting ready for concrete

Raising the first wall

With wall framing complete, we moved onto the roof trusses.

Working awayInstalling the metal roof

A photo with the house wrap, windows, and roofWorking on electrical. Gotta have enough power for those kilns!

The drywall crew at work.Finishing touches and trim.

I feel extremely fortunate to have such a fantastic space to work in! I am amazed how much studio work I have been able to accomplish this past year. But it's good to remember how much hard work and dedication it's taken to get to this point.

My message to you today is - don't be afraid to jump in and do it! We had never built anything like this before. We got a zoning book, made lots of phone calls, asked lots of questions, read library books, and would stop mid-construction sometimes to go check online for how to do something. We set small goals along the way and tried to focus on one thing at a time. And it has all been worth it!! Every step of the way.

If you're thinking of building or remodeling a studio space, I'd love to hear from you. I'm more than happy to help answer any questions that I can!

Happy Building,
Meagan

For more, check out the Studio Construction archive tab in the right side bar.

Now, if we could just get that AC installed! It sure is hot here in Florida!

Museum Exhibit -The Photos are Back!

Sunday was the official closing of my exhibit at the Appleton Museum. I've had a busy month of travel (literally out of town the last 4 weekends in a row!) so I feel like the exhibit was just installed yesterday! How quickly a month passes.

Thought I'd share a few pictures and my artist statement for those of you who couldn't make it by the Appleton. (Photos by Russell Martin Photography)

In and urban setting, nature is often organized and controlled. City parks, botanical gardens, arboretums, and courtyards contrast industrial concrete and steel, allowing us to reconnect with nature. The plants selected are colorful, clean and fragrant, producing a manicured and idealized environment.

My current work explores and celebrates the city garden and our urban scenery. The goal is to stylize botanical forms by creating simplified shapes that reflect the organization of a planned city landscape.
For many, the simple act of gardening provides a welcome respite from everyday urban life. Overall, I strive to recreate feelings of comfort and harmony through composition, color and texture.

Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed the quick, online museum tour.

Best,
Meagan
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Opening Reception - Green Hill Center

Opening Reception Tonight

June 26 from 5:30 - 8:00 at
The Green Hill Center for NC Art

The Nature of Being
curated by Flanders Gallery
From "Gallery Nomads: Six Raleigh Galleries Set Up Camp at Green Hill"
Greenhill Center for NC Arts in Greensboro, NC.

The exhibit runs through August 29th.

Green Hill Center for NC Art is located inside The Greensboro Cultural Center

If you're able to make it by tonight, please take some pictures for me. Wish I could be in two places at once!

Have a great weekend!
Meagan

Almost Finished and Etsy finds

Just need to glue the fused glass cabochons into place and this batch of Mini Sculptures will be ready to go!

Meanwhile, I was inspired by Jan, a fellow blogger over at ...in my spare time, to do an Etsy search based on keyword. Jan has a fabulous Saturday Shopping List that she puts together that full of fun, creative works all found through keyword searches. Here's what I found under "sea urchins"

Element Clay Studio/Heather Knight, porcelain; Jennski, archival digital print; parisottodesign, 18K gold earrings; Happy Goat Soap, handmade soap.

Mini Ceramic Sculptures in the Making

Glazing again! Yay! These mini ceramic sculptures are due to be shipped out on Friday to The Store at The Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA. I also plan to have more added to my Etsy online art gallery and store in the next couple weeks! (Check back soon!)

This morning, I was able to finish glazing and load them into the kiln before I headed to the Appleton Museum to meet Russell Martin, a fantastic photographer I contacted to take installation shots of my exhibit. Russell spent 3 hours with me photographing the show and taking a few portraits. Thanks Russell! Cant wait to see all the shots! I'll be sure to post some of the pictures after I get them back.

Well, its time for dinner. Hope you're having a great day. Thanks for stopping in and checking on things around here!

~Meagan

Oh, i never posted about The Studio Stroll in Asheville, NC. It was a fantastic weekend! Thank you to all who came out, strolled, and enjoyed a day in the River Arts District!
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Free Shipping Promotion - giveArtfully.com

In case you cant make it down to Curve Studios in Asheville, NC this weekend, here's another great way to shop....

www.giveArtfully.com is offering Free Shipping through the month of June!

Purchase a gift for $39 or more, and it will be shipped ground and insured free of charge!

Upon checkout, simply enter code: freeshippingbaby

Have a great weekend!
Meagan
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Asheville, NC - Studio Stroll

This weekend I'll be at Curve Studios in Asheville, NC participating in the River Arts District Studio Stroll. Come down and check out the new batch of Mini Sculptures, tile plaques, fused glass pendants, and other goodies I'll have for sale. And yes, you read that right there are 115 artist studios to visit and enjoy! What a great way to spend the weekend!

Best,
Meagan
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