Artist finds ‘perfect spot’ for Tipp City art studio

Rusty Harden Studio opens on Main Street.
Artist Rusty Harden goes through some of her art work shortly after the opening of her new studio in downtown Tipp City. CONTRIBUTED

Artist Rusty Harden goes through some of her art work shortly after the opening of her new studio in downtown Tipp City. CONTRIBUTED

One of area artist Rusty Harden’s most recent works was the opening of a new studio in what she described as “the perfect spot” in downtown Tipp City.

Harden opened the Rusty Harden Studio in the former home of the Kings Rook smoke shop at 110 E. Main St. in April. The smoke shop operated by Lena Heckman closed earlier this year. When the opportunity for a downtown home arose, Harden seized it.

“What are the chances I would be in the right place at the right time?” she said. “It is the perfect spot. I didn’t even dream of it …”

During her 15 years of involvement in art in the community, Harden, a self-taught artist, has worked in locations downtown and most recently had a studio on Broadway.

The Broadway location was perfect for lessons and other offerings, but the downtown space offers more foot traffic and, in turn, exposure for her art work, and that of others, she said.

The classroom space is a mirror of the old location.

“We just picked up the classroom and literally set it up the same way, back down, here. We moved here on a Tuesday and had classes here the following day,” Harden said.

In addition to the classroom/studio, the business features an art boutique with art by Harden and others such as ancestor art by Glenda Miles of Middletown and wood pieces of Barry Todd of New Carlisle.

Visitors can visit a charm bar with charms and pendants and a variety of chains or bracelets to accompany them.

In the business center — between the boutique and the classroom/studio — is Harden’s personal work area.

The studio is hosting a series of art talks and demos by area artists. Artist Marvin Olinsky will be the next Art Talk speaker on Tuesday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m.

Harden’s studio joins an area of downtown that also is home to Harrison’s Restaurant, The Hotel Gallery and Browse Awhile Books, a business reopening this month after being rebuilt following a summer 2016 fire.

“Downtown Tipp city is so excited to see this historic building revitalized into a beautiful art space and boutique that can be enjoyed for many years to come,” said Heather Dorsten, the Downtown Tipp City program director.

Business hours are Tuesday noon to 5 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com.

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