Inner Banks Artisans' Center
Our Vision
Last September, my wife Karen and I made a visit to Bel Air Artisans Center in Rocky Mount NC. We saw an Artisans center that had filled in less than two months. We came back from Rocky Mount with one idea in mind, "Build It and They Will Come" . The owner of Bel Air told us that as we were leaving.
It was true, we were building and the artists rented studios before they were completed. The first floor is now complete. Eighteen studios and over 75 artists are represented here and part of a rapidly growing community, housed within 6000 sq/ft of the first floor of a three story building. The eye catching, 20 ft. exterior signage drops down and extends from the top of the 55 foot, three story building. The matching fabric panels alert you to the excitement that resides within.
While we ran with the art studio concept, we met Rob Cuthrell, leader of the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association. His organization was playing under a City tree on Saturday morning, jam sessions. The non-profit organization was formed under the arts council of Beaufort County. I simply asked him what you do during the winter, Rob said, "we practice in a barn until the Saturday Farmers Market opens in the spring". I said "come with me and look at a place that could be yours ". With great effort on Rob and his groups part, we have a venue for musicians to play with seating for fifty. A lighting system, sound system and recording system was installed. Studio #19 is known as Union Alley Coffee Shop. BCTMA has over 50 musicians that are members and part of Union Alley. They bring in outside groups from the surrounding area to play at the coffee shop.
Where do we go from here? The easy answer would be to go up to the second and third floors. The second floor plan could comprise painting studios up front along Main St, and piano, guitar and all types of teaching studios in the back 4000 sq/ft. The waiting list has been growing every month since May, 2010.
The prospective third floor has been reserved for three dance studios. The vision is a destination art center where all arts meet. The vision is coming true. Our customers and artists are making it happen. Jan Paysour, our managing artist, has brought her expertise to the Center which includes years of Gallery experience and painting of all types. She has brought the best of our area to the Center. We have a string musician shop, jewelry shop and an art supply shop on the first floor. A chocolatier and gourmet baker will be joining the current artisans. It is all going to be here!!!!!!!!!!
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