VISIONING A NEW STUDIO
The vision I held was of an old cement commercial or industrial building in need of repurposing. I saw freedom in that. A spacious, bright place that had seen hard work, and tolerated messes. And somehow would be affordable with a living space in the back. That vision gradually came into focus beginning Valentine’s Day 2023. That’s when I found my blighted building project to love—The old Yuba Trading Post. It sat looking more forlorn than ever compared to the newly renovated one-room schoolhouse across the street. These two buildings are the only buildings in downtown unincorporated Yuba, otherwise known as the “Yuba Hole” due to a 30 second lapse in cell phone coverage as you drive by on US 31N. I’d been by it so many times driving back and forth between Elk Rapids and Traverse City. It was a place we all new in the 70’s as a little mom and pop minimart before minimarts were a thing. A place we could buy Annie Greensprings, Boone’s Farm Strawbery Hill and Mad Dog 20/20 on our way to beachfire and farmfield parties (drinking age was 18 back then and we were close enough!). But that day I saw it as something else. I stopped, peeked in the windows, and realized it had been empty for a very, very long time. Empty—except for a foot of snow. But, I called the phone number listed for the excavating company that owned the property because, well because I am an artist who plays with possibility. Yes, it could possibly be for sale.
IT PAYS TO BE NICE TO PEOPLE IN HIGH SCHOOL
Turns out, people I knew in High School were the tradesmen and architect with trusty hammers and sharp pencils I relied upon to help me through this process. Plus a few new people I met along the way who really came through for me. The line up: Aaron Wosek, The Spicer Group; Randy and Rick Clark, Clark & Sons Plumbing; Mel Hill, Oak Hill Electric; Brian Derusha, Geo Furnace; Carpenters Chris Tocco and Rob Chudomelkā, Bellaire Customs; Digiovannni Masonry, Gary Digiovanni; Alan Martin, Martin Land Improvement; Duff OShaunessey and Kelly Peck, Northern Building Supply; Jordan Burry, Burry Drywall; Butch Strait Well Inspector; Dennis Spayth, flooring; Tucker Hogarth, tile; EJ. siding; Joseph Wagner, Septic; Assistant Sewer and Water Inspector, Jake the weimaraner; James Halek, roofing; Alpers Insulation; Northernskylights; son Duke Bishop, general labor and daughter Olivia Bishop, branding advisor.
PAINTING EVERYTHING AT STUDIO Y
As I am rounding the corner on finishing what is now to be called “Studio Y”, an art studio and residence, I’m painting every inch of wall space and repurposed furniture myself. One, because I like painting and, two, because it is most affordable to do it myself. Alas, it is putting me in touch with color and brush strokes as I churn to return to canvas soon.
INTRODUCING STUDIO Y
Named to celebrate the town in which it resides as well as the link between curiosity and creativity, Studio Y is now a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence and vacation rental with a separate 600 sq. ft. studio/commercial space on an acre of agricultural land along US 31 N between Elk Rapids and Traverse City. The finishing touches are still in the works, I’ve moved into the residence and am excited to get back to work in the studio this week! Wow, from roof caving in and walls rotting to a lively renovation in 6 months. Now you know why I’ve been a bit MIA. But now, I’m back and excited to share it with you. Studio Y will be open for studio visits by appointment beginning November 1, 2023.
