The address is 2428 Central Avenue, which lies within the boundaries of Historic Kenwood and is two blocks from my house! Central Avenue is the main drag from downtown St. Pete to the Gulf beaches. The studio is in the Grand Central District, which is an artsy area full of personality. The neighborhood is great about supporting local businesses and I can't wait to meet more of my neighbors. Businesses on my block include those for stained glass and graphics, art supplies, cupcakes, a half a dozen restaurants, cigars, antiques, real estate ... and now torch-fired enamel!
Getting back to the building ... the space on the far left will be the teaching part ... the torches will be lined up on the left wall and we're meeting with the ventilation guy tomorrow. Behind that is storage room and office space. The area behind the colorful balls will be the retail space. We'll sell everything we currently do online, but will also have a greater selection of other beads and beading accessories. A very lovely bridal salon occupies one of our spots.
There are two one-bedroom apartments upstairs, one for my son, David, and the other for Chris and Toni, all who are studio artists at PWF. Both David and Chris are talented teachers and Toni is a fine artist. I love her eye for design and I look forward to getting into mischief with her. Chris, Toni and David, all 25 year-olds, will infuse Painting with Fire with energy ... in more ways than one!
I've had this urge to offer Winter Retreats in St. Petersburg. Who wouldn't want to go on a learning vacation in January, February or March? This space also will provide lots of opportunities for things like this.
It will take us several months before we're down here full time. My target date is May 1, but we'll be hosting lots of workshops and other events from now until then. I hope you'll follow along as we make changes to the space to get ready for opening. It should be fun!
