This is going to be a blog about our history as artists on Depot Street, our evolution, renovations and rebuilding, people who've mattered in our lives, and more.
Since we're starting at 15 years into this adventure, the blog will not be in chronological order, but it will hopefully share some insights about our perspectives on art, the River Arts District, life in Asheville, our fabulous artists, and more!
I'll start with a piece I (Julie Ann Bell) wrote in 2015 called "Six Years on Depot Street". In the story, "we" is me plus Michael Allen Campbell, two of the 3 co-founders of Trackside Studios and the current artist/owners.
Six Years on Depot Street
It’s true that much is changing in the River Arts District – and perhaps nowhere as rapidly as on Depot Street.
We’d visited the River Arts District several times before we moved to Asheville in 2009. That fall, we came to Studio Stroll and thought we’d check out a different direction than in previous visits. We headed down Depot Street. The Soapy Dog was a bright orange building on the corner with a chain link fence. Next came the Phillips gas facility behind more chain link fence. Next were several deserted warehouses. We wondered if we’d find any studios but then came across a fine art academy run by Ben Long on the east side of the street. There were no other visitors, which was a stark contrast to the busy studios on other streets during Stroll. We enjoyed the gorgeous art of the classically trained artists, then journeyed further down the road.
Across the street were some closed up buildings and the open office, at that time, of Greenworks. We went past another chain link fence and into an open building at 375 Depot Street. There were some amazing potters in a room on the right hand side of the building. Then, some closed doors with “FOR RENT” signs on them. And finally, at the back of the building, we found the metalwork school of Bill Churlik.
We loved the old building and Michael was looking for studio space, so he contacted the owner, Steven Keull, a photographer who bought the building in 1987 for his commercial photography business. Michael agreed to lease room 103 beginning in December. We shared Steve’s enthusiasm for the potential of the area, as Mountain Housing Opportunities was going to be building a multi-use commercial space and affordable apartments across the street.
What a difference six years has made!!! Depot Street now thrives with the artists and shops at Pink Dog Creative, the Lift, David C. Stewart, NorthLight, 352 Depot, Element, Benbow, and Desert Moon Designs.
And our quiet building is now abuzz!!
February 6, 2025 - the artists and studios on Depot Street have changed quite a bit. More about that to come.
Comments