Starbrick Gallery, at 21 W. Columbus St., Nelsonville, is a cooperative gallery hosting the work of about 12 to 13 artists from in and around the Athens area. Starbrick displays different artists’ works for the public to view or buy.
Currently, Starbrick has a Water and Mud Gallery Exhibit featuring work from Maria Freed, Ikaika Grimm and Greg Grimm. The exhibit consists of watercolor paintings and a variety of ceramic works.
The gallery can be viewed anytime during Starbrick’s hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Maria Freed specializes in watercolor painting and tends to paint in the realism genre. She started taking watercolor classes in 2015 and found serenity in painting and creating her own work.
Many of Freed’s pieces have historical themes that she develops through her time participating in historical reenactments. She also finds inspiration from photos and places.
Freed said through layering the paint, her paintings will start to develop a picture-like look.
Ikaika Grimm is only 7 years old and creates artwork for the gallery alongside her parents. Grimm said she draws with a pencil and marker, then crafts her ideas onto paper and adds the watercolors she thinks will match best. Grimm also has a very specific way of brainstorming her ideas.
“I think of the season first,” Grimm said. “That's how I think of them.”
Grimm’s ideas revolve around the seasons, time of year and whatever she is feeling.
Artist Greg Grimm specializes in redware, which is inspired by 18th and 19th century pottery techniques. Grimm also creates marble ware on his ceramics, and works with the essence of artifacts and archeological digs.
Additionally, Freed glazes and decorates ceramics. He draws inspiration from 18th century French artifacts and tributes his work to the designs and songs from the time period.
Every month or so, Starbrick hosts galleries from a plethora of mediums of art. Either through passing by or making a trip out of it, there is art for all eyes to enjoy.
“People that come for hair appointments … they'll come in here and browse until it’s time for their appointment,” Freed said. “We're an art gallery but we're also a gift shop/antique shop. Being that it's a gallery, you're not obligated to buy anything.”
Starbrick is free for viewing and the current exhibit will be up until Oct. 15.
Athens is very dedicated to its growing art scene and Abby Laibe, a senior studying anthropology, tries to take advantage of every opportunity she hears about.
“I think Athens really is more than just a university so there's probably something for everyone,” Laibe said. “Galleries are usually good pastimes for families and students especially. I say support it.”
