Educators open Acme Art Factory
Lead Summary
By
Caitlin Forsha-crforsha@gmail.com
Inspired by a lifelong love of art and an appreciation for local talent, Tom and Debbie Clemens have opened their Hillsboro art gallery, store and workshop, Acme Art Factory.
A grand-opening celebration is set for Saturday, July 23.
The Acme Art Factory is the first business venture for Tom, who has taught art at East Clinton High School for the past 20 years and holds a master's degree from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, and his wife, Debbie, who teaches first grade in Hillsboro.
Debbie said that they love to go to museums in other areas when they travel and attend local art shows, but seeing the "wealth of talent" at shows in Highland County only further convinced them that there are too many talented people in this area with no place to exhibit their work. After looking at the building for a year, the Clemens family purchased the home of the art gallery, located at 136 West Main Street in Hillsboro.
"We thought it would be a good opportunity to enjoy the gallery now, and for after our teaching careers," Tom said. "I know a lot about art, but not about business, so it's been a challenge, but I'm enjoying it."
The Clemenses chose to call their business a "factory" because they want it to be interactive.
"We want it to be a busy place with people working and making art," Tom said.
Tom said that he plans to showcase work in eight-week cycles, then replace the art in the gallery with either new artists or new art from existing artists. There will be five to six artists per cycle with room for several pieces per artist. The next cycle is filling up quickly, so artists are encouraged to get in touch with Acme Art Factory as soon as possible if they are interested in being shown in the next series.
"We're always looking for highly qualified amateurs or professionals," Tom said.
Tom said that they are open to all styles, types or genres of art, classic or contemporary, two-dimensional or three-dimensional.
"I think one of our strengths will be the opportunity to exhibit all types of art," Tom said.
All of the art currently exhibited in the gallery is for sale or has been already been purchased.
In addition to exhibiting art, Tom also takes commissions for portraits, landscapes and other paintings.
Plans are also under way for a variety of art classes and workshops to be held at the gallery. Tom said that he offers private lessons for those wanting specific, one-on-one instruction and will also offer public classes. A portrait drawing class, which will begin in September and be held for four Saturdays, will be the first in the series of workshops. Anyone interested in teaching, particularly those with specialities other than painting, or attending a class is encouraged to contact Tom.
Tom added that he would like to offer children's workshops for young ones to come and make crafts, either on their own or with a parent, and is looking for children's instructors.
Tom said that he and Debbie want to be a part of the "comeback for uptown Hillsboro," as they now frequent locally-owned businesses more often and want to encourage people to do the same. Along with the Colony Theatre and other artists in southern Ohio, the Clemenses are active in planning an "art walk" this fall for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents in uptown Hillsboro.
"We want to be a reason for people to come to uptown Hillsboro," Tom said.
In addition to getting to know other business owners in the uptown district, both Tom and Debbie agree that one of the best parts of starting their business is meeting many artists in the community.
"I appreciate art, but I meet people who are driven by their art," Debbie said.
The grand opening of Acme Art Factory will be held Saturday, July 23 from noon to 6 p.m. A reception for artists currently exhibiting work in the gallery will be held from 4-6 p.m. There will be an opportunity to meet with artists, get more information on what the gallery offers and sign up for classes.
Acme Art Factory's summer hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 2-6 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-6 p.m.; and anytime by appointment. The Clemenses may be reached by calling (937) 661-5955.
A grand-opening celebration is set for Saturday, July 23.
The Acme Art Factory is the first business venture for Tom, who has taught art at East Clinton High School for the past 20 years and holds a master's degree from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, and his wife, Debbie, who teaches first grade in Hillsboro.
Debbie said that they love to go to museums in other areas when they travel and attend local art shows, but seeing the "wealth of talent" at shows in Highland County only further convinced them that there are too many talented people in this area with no place to exhibit their work. After looking at the building for a year, the Clemens family purchased the home of the art gallery, located at 136 West Main Street in Hillsboro.
"We thought it would be a good opportunity to enjoy the gallery now, and for after our teaching careers," Tom said. "I know a lot about art, but not about business, so it's been a challenge, but I'm enjoying it."
The Clemenses chose to call their business a "factory" because they want it to be interactive.
"We want it to be a busy place with people working and making art," Tom said.
Tom said that he plans to showcase work in eight-week cycles, then replace the art in the gallery with either new artists or new art from existing artists. There will be five to six artists per cycle with room for several pieces per artist. The next cycle is filling up quickly, so artists are encouraged to get in touch with Acme Art Factory as soon as possible if they are interested in being shown in the next series.
"We're always looking for highly qualified amateurs or professionals," Tom said.
Tom said that they are open to all styles, types or genres of art, classic or contemporary, two-dimensional or three-dimensional.
"I think one of our strengths will be the opportunity to exhibit all types of art," Tom said.
All of the art currently exhibited in the gallery is for sale or has been already been purchased.
In addition to exhibiting art, Tom also takes commissions for portraits, landscapes and other paintings.
Plans are also under way for a variety of art classes and workshops to be held at the gallery. Tom said that he offers private lessons for those wanting specific, one-on-one instruction and will also offer public classes. A portrait drawing class, which will begin in September and be held for four Saturdays, will be the first in the series of workshops. Anyone interested in teaching, particularly those with specialities other than painting, or attending a class is encouraged to contact Tom.
Tom added that he would like to offer children's workshops for young ones to come and make crafts, either on their own or with a parent, and is looking for children's instructors.
Tom said that he and Debbie want to be a part of the "comeback for uptown Hillsboro," as they now frequent locally-owned businesses more often and want to encourage people to do the same. Along with the Colony Theatre and other artists in southern Ohio, the Clemenses are active in planning an "art walk" this fall for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents in uptown Hillsboro.
"We want to be a reason for people to come to uptown Hillsboro," Tom said.
In addition to getting to know other business owners in the uptown district, both Tom and Debbie agree that one of the best parts of starting their business is meeting many artists in the community.
"I appreciate art, but I meet people who are driven by their art," Debbie said.
The grand opening of Acme Art Factory will be held Saturday, July 23 from noon to 6 p.m. A reception for artists currently exhibiting work in the gallery will be held from 4-6 p.m. There will be an opportunity to meet with artists, get more information on what the gallery offers and sign up for classes.
Acme Art Factory's summer hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 2-6 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-6 p.m.; and anytime by appointment. The Clemenses may be reached by calling (937) 661-5955.