The Beginning

Where’s the Art? Is a small group of Middle Tennessee Artisans. This group includes painters, jewelry makers, woodworkers , decorative finishes and architecture. The story goes something like this. One cold December day a few artists in Columbia got the idea to take over the Storefront of a strategically located Downtown Columbia Historic Building off of the famous Columbia Square. This building was known as Gordon’s in the fifties. The storefront was so large they were able to display large pieces of furniture, 23 paintings, jewelry as well as “how to” demonstration exhibits.
Then before the group could have their first grand opening shindig which was planned to happen mid January, The Art disappeared. The storefront became blank and empty once more. Now in a town in the middle of a national recession, looking like a closed downtown full of for lease signs is not the message of prosperity one would desire. Be that as it may, as suddenly as it appeared one cold day in January the art vanished. The cry went up. Where is the Art?
Well, not to fear, the Middle Tennessee artisans will soon reappear with more space, more art and more artists as well. The new location is the old Helms jewelry store on the west corner of the square, just two doors down from the square market café. As a matter of fact, when different building owners got wind that the artist were looking for a new place to display, several owners were very interested in being the chosen venue. Where’s the Art? is a group looking for more local talent, photographers, potters to join there ranks as well as more towns with storefronts to display the work. “The town immediately looks more vibrant and robust with the addition of Artisans. It also lets the locals know there are talented folk right here in town.” Says middle Tennessee Artisan, Mark Dillon, the leader of this “group”. The six members include, Mark Dillon, Sherry Scheitel, Michelle Moraczewski, Rick Pipkin, Riley May and Laurence Johns. Also these six artisans realized that they had a lot of synergy together. Although each have there own successful business on there own, together they could start a Buzz. Where’s the Art? As their numbers swell, Where’s the Art? is bringing more artists together. The first open House will be in March. Check back for more details. The event will be a party not to miss. Live music, food, wine and fun will accompany the exhibit.