Passion Works Studio, a non-profit art studio currently located at 20 E. State St., will be moving to a new building located at 65 N. Court St. The studio was established in 1998 as an inclusive space where all people, including those with developmental disabilities, can produce art.
Patty Mitchell, the founder and executive director of Passion Works, organized a campaign called, “A Work of Passion,” which is aimed at generating $5 million to fund the relocation to “elevate the impact and reach” of the studio.
$2.5 million of the money raised will go to purchasing and renovating the facility, $1.5 million will go to funding an endowment to provide annual budget support and $1 million will go to expanding art forms offered, including ceramics and printmaking.
The 28-year-old studio is expected to move into the new two-floor space in over a year, but under two years, marking its second relocation since opening.
Kelly Shaw, a staff artist at Passion Works, feels the purchase of the new building will benefit the artists.
“With a lot of support from the community, we have been fundraising for the expansion of the studio into our forever home, the growth of our programs and even an endowment to kind of help maintain the longevity of the organization far into the future,” Shaw said.
According to Shaw, the building requires a complete renovation as it has been empty for over 10 years, previously hosting the Athens County Historical Society & Museum.
“So that is a really great blank slate for us because we know we want to build accessibility into the design from the bare bones of the structure, so we have the opportunity to do that,” Shaw said.
Lisa Moretti, another staff artist at Passion Works, said the location on North Court Street, which is reportedly 8,300 square feet is highly beneficial as it offers more space, which will help the organization grow.
“We'll be able to accommodate more people in the community that would like to be part of Passion Works’ work here, and they just can't because we're crunched,” Moretti said.
Amy Nicolai, a staff artist and jewelry designer at Passion Works, said she is looking forward to the additional space for increased accessibility.
“Not just for safety, so that people can get around with different equipment like walkers, wheelchairs and stuff without hitting equipment or each other,” Nicolai said. “Mostly, the comfort of freedom of movement, I think, is going to be probably one of the first things that we notice on being in there.”
Shaw also said the location has a fully accessible bathroom, a necessary addition for the inclusive environment.
“A huge component is the ability to have a fully accessible bathroom space that will welcome artists that have any kind of accessibility needs,” Shaw said. “So, being able to welcome more artists and returning artists back in the new building is a really exciting thing for us to think about.”
Tanner Ingle, volunteer coordinator and artist in residence at Passion Works, said he is excited for the expansion, specifically the second floor.
“Then we can kind of separate the gallery and art tables and kind of the color and excitement all downstairs,” Ingle said. “And then we have upstairs more, like, kind of specific workstations that are dedicated to ceramics, jewelry making, printmaking, instead of what we do currently, which is kind of just fit different processes in wherever the space is that given day.”
Nicolai is particularly excited for the expansion of the jewelry department.
“We're going to have a sewing studio and a ceramic studio, and I'm happy to say a jewelry studio because right now the jewelry studio is in my art studio at home because we don't have space here,” Nicolai said. “So I can move all that stuff out of my personal studio and then go to work and make jewelry there and not at home all the time.”
Moretti said the visibility on Court Street could increase community interaction, which is a struggle at the current location.
“It gets missed sometimes,” Moretti said. “I've lived here for 35 years, and it took me like 30 to come in here, so maybe not that long, but quite a few years.”
Tristen Luken, an artist in residence at Passion Works, said she hopes the new location will get more people involved in the organization.
“I think there's a lot of people that don't necessarily realize this is kind of tucked back here,” Luken said. “And putting it on that main stretch will, along with the vibrant colors and patterns of Passion Works, be put smack in front of their face, so they kind of can't ignore it, and hopefully that'll get a bigger variety of students to learn about the mission and get involved,” Luken said.
The campaign is expected to double the social, environmental and economic impact of the studio, which is currently estimated to be $8.2 million, according to the Passion Works website. The impact includes the employment of artists with developmental disabilities, creation of art, engagement with volunteers such as OU students and more.
According to their website, Passion Works has raised $2.6 million, which is half of the total campaign goal. The organization continues to seek donations in hopes of meeting the $5 million target.
