Today we’d like to introduce you to Studio 1608. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Originally built in the 1940s as a car dealership, Studio 1608 has had a rich history as it evolved into the 2-story treasure it is today. While the first floor currently serves as a national auction house and a frame shop, the second floor has preserved its character by restoring original hardwood floors and leaving exposed beams for 13-foot ceilings. With 7 working artists’ studios and a common gallery space, the real charm of Studio 1608 is the community of artists that have flowed through its doors. Celebrating contemporary and emerging artists for 30 years, the space is imbued with creativity and warmth, generating a haven for artists of all kinds to discuss, collaborate, create, and share their work in the heart of West Palm Beach’s Arts District.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Over the years, Studio 1608 only lived in spaces that weren’t occupied in the building. There were years the show would be downstairs, upstairs, partially outside. It proved difficult without the consistency of a space, despite always having 7 artist studios on the second floor. Several years ago, though, the upstairs space was opened up and finished, allowing shows to flow in and out of studios while still having enough wall space outside the studios to invite guest artists.
Covid also proved a challenge in the art world – people didn’t want to socialize as much, especially not for something as trivial as a local art show. Despite the mask rules in place, since the space isn’t one big open area but a meandering through various rooms, many of the past patrons stayed away for safety reasons.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Studio 1608?
Studio 1608 is more than just a gallery space. It shares its space with a collection of working artist studios and invites other local artists, creating a unique artist community similar to La Ruche in Paris. Not only have artists started their careers within these walls, many well-known and international artists have had studios or shown their work here as well. The juxtaposition of established and emerging artists adds character to the building, creating a sense of place to this enriched space.
Every year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Studio 1608 starts the South Florida season with our annual November Art Show. Themes and artists are ever-changing; it is a beautiful place to see fresh, local art and the perfect excuse to start holiday shopping. Throughout the season, the gallery area and all seven artist studios open for art shows, allowing for 7500 square feet of art viewing. Patrons can meet the studio artists while exploring their working studios. Our current Studio 1608 Artists include Clemente Mimun, Stephen Johnson, Ellen Liman, Weatherly Stroh, Camilla Webster, Kathleen Carbonara, Farley Rentschler, and Robert Hiemstra.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
All of our artists are inspired by everyday life, using the current, past, and possible to create meaningful pieces or artwork.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studio1608.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio1608wpb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Studio1608WPB/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp4gGnl91Xc
Image Credits
Cara A Mimun
