King Street Studios coming to Riverside

60 years ago, King Street between the railroad tracks and Edison Street was a different environment with products such as ice cream, milk and furniture being produced in its warehouses.  During this era, 600 King Street was the home of the Jax Skating Rink.  After the roller rink closed, the building housed the now defunct Duval News Company's printing plant for several years.  Since the 2008 opening of Bold City Brewery on Rosselle Street, this district has been reborn as a brewing and arts district. Following the heels of CoRK's recent expansion, the former staking rink will become the new location of the King Street Studios & Gallery (KSS&G).


image courtesy of http://www.kingstreetstudios.weebly.com

According to their website, KSS&G will be a community center offering opportunities to empower the artist of tomorrow.  KSS&G will feature studio spaces for Robert Noelke, Shannon Reeves-Noelke and Christina Lemarr. In 2009, Robert founded The Itty Bitty Smithy, a small scale blacksmith’s shop tucked in the back of Bead Here Now. Robert's wife, Shannon, was previously a co-owner of Bead Here Now, who specializes in traditional silversmithed jewelry, foldformed jewelry and wire weaving. Her work can be viewed at The Gypsy Peacock. They'll be joined by artisan Christina Lemarr's Moon Gypsy Studios, who will focus on film photography and alternative processing.

KSS&G plans to offer classes in blacksmithing, metal jewelry arts, alternative photo processing, mosaic arts and more.  Gallery space for monthly art shows, flow arts classes and other events will also be included in the adaptive reuse of the building.

KSS&G plans to open their doors at 600 King Street to the public on June 1, 2013 with an art show and open house.

For more information, visit King Street Studios & Gallery or contact Shannon or Robert at KINGSTREETSTUDIOS@LIVE.COM.

Development Update by Ennis Davis