The old bank building in Plenty
Since arriving back home from the conference in Lumsden I’ve been very busy with plans for my new studio space but since this is the beginning of gardening season things are moving at a snail’s pace. We actually bought the old brick structure back in January and have been waiting for the warmer weather and an electrical inspection to come along in order to be able to work on renovations. I’m pleased to say that we finally have power and brand new windows in the upper level where my workspace will be located. The southern exposure will provide me with incredible daylight and the building is the only two story on main street, so nothing will block my views. The old building has been vacant for a number of years and there is an endless amount of work to do before it will be ideal, but I am looking forward to finally moving out of our living room and into a space that will not only give me the solitude I need but the room to store all my art supplies in one area. The entire second floor will be devoted to my studio which will include a sewing area, design/drafting table, and enough space for a reference library and an office as well. This studio has lived a secret life in my imagination for so many years that I can hardly believe it is finally becoming a reality.
Stairway to creative 'heaven'.
There is a private side entrance that opens onto the stairway leading up to the studio and the original stairs are wide enough to allow passage of large pieces of furniture. There are stories of the old bank manager who took up residence above the bank, bringing with him his piano for his children’s lessons. Since those days many alterations were made to the apartment upstairs and not many of them worth keeping. We are in the process of removing old panelling and stripping peeling paint and wallpaper off the walls, discovering original lathe and plaster underneath, which is in dire need of repair. The original newal posts and railing have long since disappeared but we hope to replace it with a reasonably authentic looking reproduction. The door at the bottom of the stairs is poorly installed, allowing wind and weather into the vestibule, so plans have been made to replace it as well. I’m quite sure that after a fresh coat of paint and a creative display of artwork the staircase will provide a warm welcome each day I arrive to work… but then again I do have a bit of a reputation of having an over-active imagination and leaning towards the tendencies of an incurable optimist.