Like probably a lot of artists out there I have a second bedroom in our apartment converted to a small office/studio space. It is pretty crammed with a drafting table, lighttable, large desk with computer and some wall bookcases. Not a lot of room to put up an easel, let alone to move around it. Home studios are also not the best places to keep from frequently being interrupted. as well the close proximity of computer and television doesn't always help to keep one tied to the easel.

Having a studio away from the home therefore is wonderful and that opportunity was afforded me a year ago by being able to rent a space for reasonable rent at the Langley Arts Council (http://www.langleyarts.org), which had been able to secure a lease on the old Coast Capital Bank building that had been standing empty for a few years since Coast opened a new branch near the Willowbrook Mall. I have thoroughly enjoyed my space behind the old teller's counter. It has afforded me the opportunity to be more in the public eye and have my work out there for display together with other artists. To be able to interact with other artists, the public and to participate in events is great and I have received great feedback. 

Last month one of the enclosed office spaces became available and I took advantage of the opportunity to move to a more contained space where I was able to display my work better and I am very happy that I made that move. The location is just perfect, close to the entrance and the reception desk and all traffic has to pass by here to go upstairs. Although I am able to close the door if I want to work, I plan to have an open door policy and have my studio open for people to be able to visit and look at my art. There are usually large chunks of time where I likely won't be disturbed and can get work done. After all the show must go on and without work to show and sell you don't have a business.

So I am happy to introduce you to my new workspace, which granted still is not very big, but works very nicely for me at this time.  If you live in the area you are invited to drop by the gallery, look at the art on display and meet some of the artists.  The address is:

Langley Arts Council

20550 Fraser Highway

Langley, BC V3A 4G2

Tel: 604-534-0781

Looking at the studio from the Gallery