Community
15 August, 2024
Coming soon
VIBRANCY will remain a feature of Johnstone Court despite the departure of one business, with a south west local signing a lease to bring her art gallery to the historic arcade.
When Rusty Spanner Studio owner Chelsea Pope earlier this year announced the impending closure of her popular studio after more than three years, she also began looking for a fellow creative who may be interested in taking over the lease.
A conversation between her and Glenormiston artist Jess Fowler quickly began, entertaining the possibility for Mrs Fowler to take over the soon-to-be vacant storefront.
Mrs Fowler said she had been captivated with the creative flair which Ms Pope had cultivated at Johnstone Court since opening her store, and wanted to continue those efforts.
The two had developed a close personal friendship over the years, and had collaborated numerous times through joint ventures in Johnstone Court.
Not wanting to see the space empty, Mrs Fowler officially signed the lease last Friday to take over the shop with her own studio, and continue the inspired approach to blending business ownership with community engagement.
“I am thrilled to be continuing the creative legacy that Chelsea and Rusty Spanner will leave in Johnstone Court, and I hope to bring as much artistic flair to this beautiful little shop as Chelsea and her work has done so lovingly over the years,” she said.
“I cannot wait to welcome everyone to be a part of what is such an exciting new opportunity to share my work, and make people smile.
“Wishing Chelsea wonderful things in her future endeavours and I hope to see you all in the bright and colourful experience that will be Jess Fowler Art in Johnstone Court.”
Mrs Fowler earlier this year had opened her home studio to success, but felt a physical presence could position her well – spending less time trying to get noticed among a fickle social media algorithm, and more time sharing her art with the community.
“I love welcoming people in to my home studio, and that certainly won’t change, however I think having a storefront will enable me to engage more personally with folks and not be so dependent on social media,” she said.
“To have a space where I can meet with people, face-to-face, will be the best.
“I love talking with and sharing my work with people, I think it’s an important aspect of what I do; sharing my art and making smiles.
“I am beyond thrilled that very soon I can open and do that every week.”
Ms Pope said she had originally advertised for someone to take over the space after hearing from locals how sad they were to hear of her departure.
She said she could not be happier with the person who “answered the call” to take up the mantle of continuing the imaginative flair in Johnstone Court.
“Having the shop has been an incredible journey, a dream come true for me,” Ms Pope said.
“I'm thrilled to pass the torch to such a talented local artist.
“While my chapter here, in Johnstone Court, is closing, a beautiful new one is beginning with Jess Fowler Art.”
Ms Pope offered her appreciation to the community for its support for Rusty Spanner Studio, a venture she originally envisioned would only last a few months – but the months became years as the public rallied behind her unique approach to making art.
“I’m grateful for the community’s support over the past three years and hope that support continues for Jess,” she said.
“As I'm off to pursue other adventures, seeing the shop evolve into Jess Fowler Art fills me with excitement for its future.
“Thank you for all the wonderful memories, conversations and support.
“I'm excited to see how Jess transforms this space into a hub for creativity and artistic expression.”
Rusty Spanner Studios will have its last day on Saturday, September 7 with Jess Fowler Art to officially open soon after.
“This is going to be fun,” Mrs Fowler said.