Two years after remodeling a Patten street home into an ambitious art gallery and event space, owner Robert Coury has announced the closure of the “community creative space.” His message:
“It was quite literally two years ago this week that Scott and I formulated the idea to open a community gallery here in Sonoma Valley, one that was centered around the idea that all humans are artists and that everyone is capable of creating something beautiful. The goal was threefold; to house local art on the walls of this quaint, 1920s house on Patten street, hold events and openings to showcase art in all its forms, and be a place of education where people of all ages could come learn any number of creative skills.
“And we did it…..But not without the help and charisma of Jude Cameron. If we had not gone to Jude and asked her help in starting Studio 35, it would never have come into existence. Jude’s dynamic personality, loving enthusiasm for inclusivity in all forms, and her zeal for spreading that love and creation rocketed Studio 35 into the Sonoma Valley arts community.
“And when Jude had to take her leave upon the death of her partner, it was Gina Roman to whom she passed the torch. As Artistic Administrator of Studio 35, Gina’s hard work has been the most invaluable addition to the gallery. From her organized nature, to her gentle love for spreading the spark of creativity, Gina Roman has been the glue that has held the gallery walls together. Studio 35 could not have continued were it not for Gina.
“Yet, as you might suspect, it’s with a heavy heart that we must announce the closing of Studio 35, as a gallery and community creative space, today, April 5th 2016. Sadly, it seems that we were a little too premature in our business endeavor. While we were ready, in most instances, to dive right in and shine the spotlight on local art & artists, what we weren’t prepared for was the psychology of the Sonoma Square. If it’s not on the square, well then you better have another way to bring the foot traffic in, right? While we did a better than average job with that, hosting events, parties, open galleries and workshops, it sadly was not enough to keep Studio 35 going along the same vein it has been going.
“But my, what a time we had doing it! Such a transformative two years it has been here at Studio 35. We all met SO MANY amazing and talented artists. We shared stories, techniques, creative passions, and most importantly: we made lasting friendships. As much as we can take credit for the successes of Studio 35, so too can you. If you’re receiving this newsletter then YOU are also to thank for the warmth and support you’ve shown us here at Studio 35. Your faith in our message of spreading artistic creativity is what has kept the spirit of Studio 35 alive these past couple of years and the knowledge that we have been able to touch so many lives has made this endeavor 100% worth every minute.
“What is to transpire now that the gallery is empty? Only time can tell. Personally, I will be spending much more time marketing my own artwork and working on branding; updating my website to have a storefront and driving more traffic virtually (check out my page at : www.RobertCoury.com). Gina Roman will still be involved in the community art scene, starting her own radio spot on KSVY, and spreading the word about local art and artists. Scott has a myriad of projects to work on and doesn’t foresee a break for months. So as they say, when one door closes another opens.
“Lastly, the only thing to do is Thank You Sonoma.
Thank you for welcoming us to your neighborhood.
Thank you for sharing your artists and their art with the community and with us.
Thank you for the support that you’ve shown, for helping us to realize our dreams, and helping those dreams become reality.
We couldn’t have done it without you.”
From All of Us here at Studio 35,
Thanks for Creating With Us!
– The Studio 35 Team
Robert, Scott, & Gina)
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