This weekend marks the grand opening of Carmel’s latest art gallery, Studio 421. The gallery will feature a variety of works from contemporary African art to emerging American artists. The studio space on Range Line Road was formerly devoted to local design and landscape company SURROUNDINGS by NatureWorks+.
After moving a majority of its office duties off site, SURROUNDINGS President and Studio 421 owner Randy Sorrell realized there might be a new use for the space inside the arches of the Arts & Design District.
“Being connected to the Arts & Design District geographically was a definite indicator (in the gallery’s creation),” Sorrell said. “(It was) that, coupled with Kim and I’s passion for anything art, music and theater.”
Every new gallery needs new and unique art to set it apart from the other galleries in Carmel. For Studio 421, Sorrell was approached by a number of up and coming artists. Sorrell and his wife, Kim, loved the art and felt it would make a great addition to their home, so it would also make a great addition to the gallery.
“Carmel is blessed with a very rich arts experience, and we hope to add to that in a humble way,” Sorrell said. “We have two gifted emerging artists, Eric (McKinney) and Kat (Wedmore), that have nice studio presence. Kwame Itoka, from Liberia, is representing several contemporary African artists with multiple mediums. Each sculpture or picture seems to tell its own story, and you can almost feel the history of the country in each piece.”
Jumping headfirst into gallery ownership was new for Sorrell, but not entirely outside of his range of expertise. Working with artists and seeing how Studio 421 could fit into the larger district took time, but the results will finally pay off with the gallery’s grand opening.
“We had to learn to speak ‘artist’ talk. As you can imagine, many of the skills that have enabled us to be successful in the design, build, landscape business for 20 years is relevant to the gallery and studio business. We are having a blast creating the space, meeting with artists and marketing the idea,”Sorrel said. “Hopefully, we can piggyback on the success of the rest of the Arts & Design District and add to that.”
Studio 421’s opening will coincide with this weekend’s Second Saturday Gallery Walk. For more information on the gallery walk, visit www.carmelartsanddesign.com.
Studio 421
What: A new “art incubator” featuring pieces ranging from contemporary African art of Talle Bamazi to the art styles of Erick McKinney and Kat Wedmore. The studio’s grand opening will feature refreshments and a live band, Phone Club.
When: Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Studio 421, 421 S. Range Line Rd.
More info: Visit www.carmelluxurylandscape.com/studio-421 or call 575-0482
