When we moved into my studio space at the 4th Avenue Marketplace, we were ecstatic to be downtown, and to have extra work space! I loved the view, and I loved working there. Having people come by for open studio events during First Fridays, Fur Rondy, and the Iditarod was always a great experience, and we usually made enough money during those events to cover our lease payments. Making the move to 4th Ave really cemented that I am a professional artist. However, I missed working at home. Packing a lunch was a drag, the bicycle commute across downtown was annoying (especially in winter), and the local street people seemed to always be present to greet me at the door to the building (when they were awake). I always seemed to have left this tool here, or that tool there, right when I needed it, and I was making another traffic-heavy bike trip back to one of the two locations.
I am happy to say that last weekend we moved out of the studio, and I am setting up my new studio on the first floor of our new house! It is a huge mess right now! I need permanent storage for tools, supplies, and paintings. I hope to be back to work by Monday, taking a week to move the condo and studio to our new house, and to get the condo ready for sale! The house is “not perfect,” as my father told me, but to us it is so amazing! It is quiet at night, there is more space for living and for the studio, and best of all, it has an oversized two car garage! No more carrying the table saw down stairs to work in blizzards for me! I can park my truck inside when it is cold out! Not to mention, the obvious home-brewing improvement! I brought my big smoker grill home from my parents’ house, and I’m going to smoke a brisket when I have everything set up. When brew day rolls around in the new garage, I’ll brew a big batch for a big housewarming celebration.
Until then there is a lot of work… Anybody want a cute little apartment-style condo in West Fairview? It would make a great Airbnb rental!
Cheers to making life better! May your day be brighter today than yesterday, and tomorrow be even better than that!
Sad the downtown studio is closed? You can still meet me for a beer at Midnight Sun Brewing. My art is there until the end of June! I will be having more out-of-the studio shows, so keep following Real Art Is Better on this blog, or on social media and we will keep you informed where and when we will be having in-person events!
Real Art Is Better! 
Pingback: “The First Thing You’re Going to Paint is the Walls!” | Real Art Is Better!
Pingback: 2021 Year Review and Looking Ahead to 2022 | Real Art Is Better!