The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Gala to celebrate the launch of The Artificers, T.E. Freeman Studio & Kate Freeman Studio at 8 N. National Ave. in the Downtown Historic District on Saturday, January 28, 2023. The ribbon cutting and remarks will take place at 5:45pm and the gala will follow from 6 to 9pm. Light refreshments will be offered. The gala will feature art from Trent and Kate Freeman as well as some of their house artists that will be with them on a regular basis. This long-awaited event will kick off the opening of the art gallery and hosting of art classes and workshops that will be held in the teaching studio.
Classes and workshops will start February 1st, and those interested can sign up for emails at their website theartificers.com and always be the first to know what’s being offered. The Gallery will also periodically feature master artists who will teach workshops about their art.
Trent & Kate will also be conducting a silent auction of some exclusive pieces of artwork as well as a special announcement, regarding the artwork. Only those in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase these pieces.
The Freeman’s recently moved to Bourbon County from Kansas City after selling their home and studio. Trent has been a mixed media sculptor for 26 years and received his Undergraduate in Fine Art from Emporia State University. Kate Freeman is a ceramist and acrylic painter as well as the marketing and day to day management of the studio. The Freeman’s have been restoring the Hammons’ Real Estate building and are planning to continue the restoration and have their residence in the upper level. The Freeman’s are glad to be part of the Fort Scott community and are excited and encouraged by the amount of support they have received from fellow business owners and residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding areas.
The galleries first artists will include; Kenny Felt- photography, Tim Kienzle- copper jewelry, Erin Shevling- pottery, Dianne Miller- glass, Kristin Girard- electroforming jewelry, Kristan Hammond- photography, Rachel Painter- painting, Amy Smith- mixed media, and “Forged in Fire” Champion, Ryan DeMott- Bladesmith.
Chamber members and the community are welcome and encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting and gala event this Saturday. The Artificers look forward to a festive evening by suggesting cocktail attire or nice dress. Although the event is free, those attending are requested to RSVP under the event on fortscott.com or email rsvp@fortscott.com.