Work is well underway on the new Fulcrum Arts Center.  This collaborative endeavor between Natalie Blake Studios and Solinglass will be a "not-to-be-missed" arts destination in Brattleboro, VT. The Fulcrum Arts Center will house a gallery and studio facilities that will provide numerous ways for prospective buyers to view finished works and work in progress; as well as to learn about the tools, techniques, and artistry of fine glass and handmade ceramic pieces. Interested collectors and buyers will be able to purchase finished one-of-a-kind pieces and functional wares and commission new work. We will offer design consultation for in-home art placement as well. Solin and Blake, both highly exclaimed artists in their fields, will teach master classes and workshops.

Work on the building began in July, when Nick, our master builder, pulled out 7,500 square feet of drop ceiling tiles and insulation!  We want our new space to be energy efficient so some of this insulation will be used to insulate the Solinglass studio and to provide soundproofing.

Our new digs will be warm in the winter, thanks to a heat recapture system that Nick is designing.  He's reconfiguring the existing forced hot air system to recapture Solinglass' furnace heat.

You can find regular updates on our work on Facebook.

Here are some updated photos of the work-in-progress:

 

 

 

During the past few weeks Nick and his crew have been framing up the interior walls for the office, gallery, kitchen, bathrooms, studios and kiln room.  Here's a short video showing the interior:

 

According to Nick, about 95% of the interior walls are now framed.  Dry walling will begin in a few weeks.

Our spacious backyard will be a great hangout spot for our crews and our dogs (there are 4 dogs between the 2 studios).

 

And, because we love to have fun and stay fit, we're planning to have a Stair Master in the building and a kayak out back since our property abuts the beautiful, highly-kayakable West River!

 

Natalie made her first work in the new building last Friday: handmade ceramic bowls.  These ceramic pieces were made as thank you gifts for Natalie's friends and family to thank them for helping to find her missing dog, Tank, when he strayed from the Cotton Mill building last week.

We can't wait to move in and have you visit!