ADVERTISEMENT

    Millworks Offers Low Cost Studio Space for Local Artists

    “As it is well known, artists add value to neighborhoods,” stated Bonnie Katz. “And all too often, they are priced out of newly gentrified areas which they actually may have been instrumental in transforming. Columbus is home to a rich, diverse, and enormous community of individuals who need safe, affordable studio space.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    To that end, Millworks Art Studios (which Katz manages) wants to provide a place where local artists can continue to create new work in a quiet environment. Located just 10 minutes northeast of Downtown Columbus on Leonard Avenue, Millworks might seem a bit off the beaten path, but some artists may find the seclusion appealing.

    “Although many of the artists offer classes or workshops in their studios, we have not cultivated the building as a public event space,” said Katz. “Rather, we have maintained it as a quiet, private place for artists to work in their own studios without the distraction of public events.”

    millworks-art-studios-01

    Katz’s parents (Marvin and Susan) originally purchased the building in 2004, with the specific intent of housing art studios. Marvin Katz had previously developed and managed many other prominent historic properties in Columbus, including the Buggyworks, the Belmont Building, the Union Tool Building and Jaeger Commerce Park. He recently retired, selling The Millworks to Scott and Sandi Mowrey, who are continuing to keep the building running as an art studio space.

    “Currently, Millworks is home to more than 60 artists, as well as several small businesses,” said Katz. “Standard Parking’s shop that makes their signs for lots and garages all over the country is a long-term tenant, as is Machine Tool Rebuilders.”

    Several of the artists in the building have turned to the metal fabricators for material needs and collaborations. Other artists in the building work in sculpture, illustration, photography, jewelry, graphic design and other mediums. Katz noted that many artists in the building are also faculty at OSU, CCAD, Columbus State, Fort Hayes and other colleges and schools.

    millworks-art-studios-02

    “We do have a few vacancies, as well as a waiting list of people who are waiting for spaces with specific features,” she added. “We also have an 8,000 square foot area that was vacated by a charter school, which we hope to fill with another similar tenant. However, it also opens the door to other possibilities that are more directly related to the arts — whether an arts-related nonprofit, an arts education program, or even a North Market type space with artists, shops and food.”

    Rates at Millworks range from $100 per month to $1,200 per month for spaces ranging from as small as 81 square feet to as large as 2,000 square feet. Leases generally start at 12 months, though some spaces are available for short term use.

    “GCAC is renting a room for a weekend in March to hold a seminar on the business of art,” explained Katz. “Another artist is renting a space for a weekend to offer a public workshop on cartooning.”

    Millworks is hosting an artist mixer and exhibition tomorrow night, February 28th, from 5pm to 9pm for those interested in touring the space in person.

    For more information, visit www.millworksart.com.

    millworks-event

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    The Top 10 Columbus Artists of 2023

    New galleries, new exhibitions and new public art. 2023...

    Pieces Come Together in Daniel Rona’s “Out of Abstraction”

    Like a secret code, Daniel Rona’s work engages in a silent dialogue with those who possess a discerning eye, revealing a hidden language that only the initiated can fully comprehend.

    Nearly $1 Million in Grants Awarded to Local Artists in 2023

    The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) announced this morning...

    The Top 10 Artistic Performers in Columbus

    Live theater, performance art, drag shows, stand up comedy...

    The Top 10 Columbus Artists

    Having a favorite artist is a very personal thing....
    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
    ADVERTISEMENT