The Artisans Village

Cathy McIntire

The best ideas start with a vision. A group of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of the Arts came together in 2015. They shared a vision of artists and artisans working together in a space open to the public so the creative vibe could be experienced by all. The vision grew to include an art gallery so they could showcase the amazing results while also creating opportunities for artists all over the Lake Country. They chose Eatonton as the place to make this vision grow into reality. They went to work formulating a plan for The Artisans Village.

When they saw the old Livery Stable building, their vision started to become real as they reimagined the old Livery, long since emptied of horses, converted into a space for “Hot” arts. No longer just a dream, The Livery is ready for artisans to set up their tools. How long since folks in our area have been able to see glass blowers, potters, and metalworkers fire up their respective tools to create works of art started or finished with fire? Who knows what this historic building will inspire from the artisans who call it home. Find the Livery at 109 E. Marion St., look for the ghosted mural of the original Livery Stable sign, painted on the brick, and know that you are in for a treat when you step inside.

The Artisans Village Gallery, the first part of the vision to become reality in 2017, is located on the square in Eatonton. This art gallery has attracted artists from the Lake Country and beyond, who paint, work in wood, glass, ceramics, fabric arts and other fine craft art mediums. The gallery also offers classes taught by area artists.

The Artisans Village Guild has become an integral part of The Artisans Village by providing area artists a way to meet, greet, learn, and inspire each other through meetings, show opportunities, classes, and other events to enrich their artistic experience.

The Guild and the Gallery work together to bring shows and events to the community. Annual art shows include the Lake Country Juried Arts Show, currently in the gallery, Dual Vision – a collaboration of artists and photographers that will open in September, and the Plein Air Paint Out, happening each Spring. These events bring talent, great art, and exciting anticipation that only art can provide.

There is a lot of artistic energy expressing itself all over the Lake Country. The Artisans Village is proud to contribute to that energy by bringing visual arts in many forms. Visit The Artisans Village Gallery at 110. W. Marion St. in Eatonton, on the square, Thursday through Saturday. Call 706-623-7757 for more information.  The Artisans Village is one of the many organizations in Lake Country Arts Alliance.  For more information on arts happenings in the area, please visit www.lakecountryarts.org.

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