Taking New Directions
Work by Barb, Dixie, and Dick.
photos by Cindy Steele
Craft Gallery and Primitives and Pinecones.
Before opening the gallery, Dixie had been in four different Village Green studios and Barb in three. At one time, all the space in the building had been devoted to artists’ studios. Dixie had a small gallery on the second floor and a teaching space on the third floor. The Ferrers expanded the gallery several years ago, as other second floor artists’ studios became available.
When they first opened the gallery and working studios, they thought they would never fill it. Smashing Designs with Susan Threehawks and Connie Simmonds were part of the original gallery and working studios group. Over the years they have had more than 120 different
artists showing at the gallery. At their peak, they had 45 at one time.“ The gallery has always been tightly juried. But there were a lot of people who came here who had never been anywhere before, but had quality work.”
Barb and Dixie have been friends for almost 40 years. Their kids went to the same pre-school in Indianapolis.“ Barb taught me about running the business. I was a“ loose” runner and Barb helped me to become better at business.”
Until four years ago Dick worked full time in Indianapolis and was in the gallery only on weekends. Dixie notes that,“ When he retired and came in, it was a democracy, but women ruled. We worked really hard to make sure everyone was happy. It took about a year.“ And,” Barb quips,“ when Dixie’ s not here, Dick and I play really cool music.”
“ What fun we’ ve had!” Dixie notes.“ People still talk about“ The Ugly Bug Ball” and the PJ party we had.” And they have always had a memorable Halloween party.“ We were always trying to come from a different slant and we were always trying to stir up the art scene.”
All three want their customers and collectors to be assured that although the gallery is closing, they( and their work) will still be here in Nashville and available. All are willing to schedule appointments at their studios, and the Ferrers will continue to teach in various venues.“ We’ re not going anywhere,” Dick exclaims.“ We live here.” •
Nov./ Dec. 2015 • Our Brown County 21