Artists have filled the studios while others wait for an opening.
Art Hive Director Cloud Oakes, who has a background in art and entrepreneurship, said artists should not work in a vacuum and this setting allows them to collaborate with other artists. “I was looking for a philanthropic endeavor that combined art with the community,” she said. “I seized the opportunity for affordable studio space for working artists.”
While providing an outlet for artists to sell their work, Art Hive also provides space for workshops and events. The main gallery, which features contemporary art, is what the public sees as they walk in.
“This is teamwork for team players for those who were without studios,” she said. “We have young and old artists. Everybody shows respect for everybody.”
Oakes’ stepfather, Don Thompson, is one artist who uses the space. Thompson, who has taken more than 500,000 photos and photographed with Ansel Adams, calls the Art Hive amazing. “It’s the envy of artists who didn’t get in,” he said. “I love it because I need people, other artists, around me. It’s a great working environment.”
Thompson, 74, has been taking photos for 66 years and loves capturing photos of nature and faces. Although he is a doctor and scientist, his photography has taken to him to many countries, including Ecuador and Nepal.
He recently moved to Prescott from Montana to be closer to his daughter. “I love that I can go in to talk to other artists,” he said. “We have the mentality that we want to create with other people.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Art Hive Gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays. Artists have access to their studios at any time and can schedule visitors by appointment.
Photo by Stan Bindell: Artist Don Thompson features his artwork at the Art Hive Gallery and Studio created by Cloud Oakes.
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