Local art shop to feature sculpturing demonstration

Jamie Teibel/ Summer Editor ARTSY FARTSY: This sculpture by Darlene Mitchell is one of many pieces of art displayed at Artists' Own. Mitchell will demonstrate her sculpting ability Saturday at the shop.

By Jamie Teibel
Summer Editor

One year ago, when Patty Herr was searching for an outlet for her artwork, she drove right past it. She saw the empty space in a building across from the courthouse, but contemplated over it for a month. As she approached the space, she noticed the brick walls inside and the walking traffic outside. Herr knew it would be perfect for displaying artwork, but didn't want to be tied down managing the space alone. So she came up with the idea of a cooperative, and over a year later, with the help of 22 artists, Artists' Own is a successful place of business.

"We're really pleased," said Herr, former president of Artists' Own. "We've been well received by the community. They appreciate the shop mostly because it's somewhere to buy local artwork."

Amick agrees, "We've been extremely successful. Word of mouth has been great to get people to know where we are." She said a lot of the people who visit the shop are downtown on business, sightseeing or dining at a nearby restaurant. "I think a lot of people who come here are surprised to find us," she said.

Demonstrations of the artists' skills are performed every other month through October, said Lorie Amick, marketing committee chairperson.

"It has been very popular, very informative to other artists in the community," she said. "It's a good event to bring kids and young adults to see."

This month's demonstration is from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Artists' Own, 128 N. Third St., Lafayette.

Darlene Mitchell is a local artist who will demonstrate her abilities.

Mitchell, also a part-time art lecturer at Purdue, will demonstrate sculpting and how to use clay in molds and free form.

Her art has been exhibited around the Midwest in states such as Iowa, Montana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. "It's a freedom, a high when you get to express yourself like that (through art), when you're not channeled in a position or performance."

Linda LeMar will also perform demonstrations. She was unavailable for comment.

Regular Artists' Own shop hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

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