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Studio Snapshot

8/29/2023

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​Exploring Creativity and Connection: My Art-Filled Workspace in the Arts District.

In a world that's constantly evolving, so too are definitions of our workspaces. For me, the concept of a traditional office has transformed into something far more enriching and artistic. During the pandemic, my law office was quickly scooted out of the pristine marble building we were accustom to and set up a desk in my spare room at home. This transition was jarring until I realized the vast improvement in my productivity while working undistracted by office politics. With the realization that a work-life / home-life balance was radically more achievable when working close to home, I gained vast insight into how to live a happier life. I also found the change of scene itself to be as impactful on my productivity as the initial work-from-home order. So, here I am today, working from my art studio. 

This space is brimming with creativity. Nestled within the vibrant confines of the Franklinton Arts District, 400 West Rich has long been my “home away from home” and now also serves as my “office away from home”. 

A Hub of Artistic Synergy.

400 West Rich isn't just a building; it's a sanctuary for creatives. I have met most of my friends through this space. Some were other artists renting studio space, others started as students and became friends. This place beckons to people seeking connection through expression.

​I currently share a studio with four other passionate artists. We enjoy the community created by sharing space. All of us use art as a secondary income and primary way to connect with a community. Having studio mates is awesome. There’s often someone available to open the studio for events, plus sharing both rent and responsibilities means we can all participate. None of us would want to carry the expense of running a small business without the help of the others. This unique setup has transformed the space into a delightful medley of artistic pursuits. Among us are individuals who wield brushes with grace, capture moments through the lens of a camera, and conjure mesmerizing prints that lure the curious.


The walls of our studio are more than mere boundaries; they are canvases that ebb and flow with the tides of inspiration. As the summer art market season unfurls, these once-adorned walls shed their artistic treasures, leaving behind a blank slate. Yet, in the wake of these creative markets, the studio transforms anew as art magically reappears, each piece telling a story of its own.

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Embracing the Unseen Connections.

For me, this space is a realm where the ceaseless influx of creativity and ideas can be distilled into a personal expression. It's a place where the boundaries of my imagination are stretched and redrawn, guided by the desire to contribute a unique note to the artistic chorus.

The studio becomes a playground for learning, a space where curiosity is cultivated and understanding is nurtured. In the midst of it all, I've come to understand that this isn't just a workspace; it's a community of kindred spirits. The shared passion for creation bridges gaps in knowledge and familiarity, forming a bond that transcends the need for recognition. The studio breathes with a life of its own, where ideas meld and interact, fusing together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.

A Canvas of Inspiration.

400 West Rich is more than just a location; it's a canvas of infinite possibilities. It's a place where the lines between work and passion blur, where artistic souls converge to collaborate, learn, and evolve. As I sit amidst the ever-changing displays of creativity, I'm reminded that it's not the familiarity with the neighborhood that keeps me here, but the journey of self-discovery through art. This is my sanctuary, my place of creative metamorphosis, where inputs are woven into the fabric of outputs, and where the artistic spirit finds its truest expression.
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(h)OPE!

8/14/2023

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I never intended to stay for 10 years. But, here we are. Ten years of calling a space "home". A decade of teaching myself a craft that has brought so much joy into my life.

Studio 107 is the fourth physical studio I've shared at 400 West Rich. I am currently sharing space with four others. There have been a lot of wonderful artists I have met over the years; many of them have become my closest friends and most admired colleagues.

Stained glass was the last "new" medium I needed; it did it all. Glass allowed me to express myself. It has helped me see beauty everywhere. My first series was 100 stained glass stars. I named each of them individually and with great intention. This was how I first shared my personal philosophy of hope with so many others. This art form has connected me to history and reminded me about the importance of my personal history, too. 

Thank you to everyone who has ever grabbed a business card, requested a custom design, asked me about classes, or purchased from my studio (online or in person). I know there are missed opportunities that have passed by during this time, too. Sometimes those are the hardest memories to release. 

While I don't intend on staying another 10 years, I know the world will work its usual magic in my life; what is needed will arrive. It always does and always will. This is the Philosophy of Hope, that I assume. 
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    About the OP.

    Hi! I am Colleen. Thinking is fun, so is writing.

    What is it that I am to write?

    The best advice I've found is to write what you know, so here it is. My plan is to start in the middle, and see where it goes from there. 

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