TASI Tenants Show

Tenants Show kicks off 2009-10 season at TASI

Story by PAINTER RENEE WOMACK,38,

Lluvia Rueda wasjust looking for a space ofherown. But when the Port Neches native moved from Photos by herhometown to pursue a

Andy jobinHouston, she picked Coughlan upher oils and brushes only tofind a lack of affordable tenantspaces in nearby art studios.

“Ijustran up against a wall. It was hard to find a place where I could work. Most places were too expensive, and others were hard to work in, because of the owners or lack of communication with the rest of the tenants,” said Womack.

Oneyear and a move later, Womack is happily settled as a tenant at The Art Studio, and she now hopes to pursue work as full-time artist.

“When I came back, I visited The Studio and I thought, ‘This is it.’ It’s great that a city like Beaumont has a place to support local artists,” said Womack.

Aninflux of new and returning members thisyearisatestament to the allure of The Art Studio Inc.’s warm, bohemian atmosphere, saidfounder Greg Busceme.

“It’s a way for artists and art lovers to come together. We’re like a family and we are always looking to increase the number,” he said.

Busceme said tenantship has increased steadily, going from eight to 17 members this year.

Artist Elizabeth Fontenot, 24, a Vidor native, is one of the studio’s fresh faces. The recent Louisiana State University graduate and painting/art major said she looks forward to putting down roots and discovering her own place in the local art community.

“I think it’s a great way to get to know people, get involved with the community and find out what works for you artistically,” said Fontenot.

Agrowing population of artists promises a variety of pieces for The Studio’s upcoming Tenants Show, which will open Sept. 5.

The show traditionally kicks of the arts season and will begin with a reception from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Last year we had only seven or eight tenants, so it’s really going to be a big show for us. We encourage everybody to come out and meetthenew artists,” said Busceme.

Seasoned art veterans and Beaumont residents Beau Dumesnil, a 3-D artist and ceramicist Rhonda McNally agreed, saying the newcomers provide “new life” to The Studio.

“Ithink it’s exciting to see The Studio grow. It’s not only great for The Studio but for the community as well. It gives the public more options (in local art),” said McNally.

The exhibition will include work by Cyndi Grimes, Sue Wright, Rhonda Rodman, Rhonda McNally, Beau Dumesnil, Karen Dumesnil, Elizabeth Pearson, Andy Coughlan, Jessica Jones, Sandra Laurette, Suzanne Garrett, Stephen Scales, Elizabeth Fontenot and Renee Womack.

Full-tenant spaces are available for $85 a month, and partial-tenant status is $40 a month. Artists are granted 24-hour access to all the facilities, including computer labs and dark room areas.

For more information on how to become a tenant, call The Studio at 409-838-5393.