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(Above) Ben Goldman (Below) Sarah Daly |
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Alumni run artists' studio
By Julie Senger
Run by KSU visual arts alumni Ben Goldman and Sarah Daly, Atelier 43 is a 400-square-foot art studio located inside Art Space International, which describes itself as an “artist community that houses over 30 artists, each with their very own workspaces and private galleries” within the building’s 22,000 square feet in downtown Atlanta.
What is the significance of the studio’s name? The French term “atelier” translates to “studio” and “43 just happens to be the number on the outside of the warehouse building where it is located,” Daly (art, 2005) said. She and Goldman (art, 2006) decided to open Atelier 43 because they thought that it was important for “emerging artists to have a relaxed atmosphere where they could show their work, get exposure in downtown Atlanta and network with fellow artists, potential patrons, gallery owners and other art professionals.”
The studio has received exposure in publications such as Art Papers Magazine, Skirt Magazine and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Since Atelier 43 is an actual working studio, in addition to displaying art, Goldman and Daly also work on their own pieces there and offer classes to the public. KSU Assistant Professor of Art History Daniel Sachs taught an advanced painting class there last spring. Daly currently teaches a painting and drawing class for children, ages six to ten; and every Wednesday night they offer open studio hours from 7-10 p.m. when a live, usually nude, model sits for artists to sketch or paint.
“The classes we offer are a great way for artists to continue their education and practice their skills once they graduate from college,” Goldman said.
Daly and Goldman both admit to experiencing a “void” after they graduated from KSU’s visual arts program. “There were no imperative projects to be done and we missed being surrounded by fellow artists,” said Daly. They caution current students to be prepared for this and encourage them to “find reasons to keep making art. Atelier 43 is a great stepping stone to keep your production momentum going,” Daley noted. In fact, the gallery has shown the work of several KSU alumni and current students, including Amanda Palmer, Tiffanni Spann, Samuel Parker and Natalie Osten. Presently, Daly’s own work is on display. However, “we are always looking for new artists and would love to hear from KSU students,” both Daly and Goldman admitted.
In addition to opening the studio, Goldman and Daly have both garnered other artistic accomplishments since their graduation from KSU. Goldman is currently working toward his master of fine arts degree at Georgia State University. His work was shown in Beep Beep Gallery, which was written up in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and named one of the “Best of Atlanta” by Atlanta Magazine. It was also shown in the Spruill Gallery, which was then highlighted in Art Papers Magazine.
Daly’s work was in the LaGrange Biennial Art Show and also a figurative work show in Chicago’s Art Institute in 2006. When asked how they managed to keep up with all of their responsibilities Goldman replied, “It’s magic!” and Daly then clarified, “No really, it’s a wonderful juggling act that must be mastered.”
As to how their visual arts degrees helped to prepare them for their current artistic successes, Daly said, “Prof. Robert Sherer would post art shows for the coming weekend. This exposed us to local artists and galleries we would come into contact with later. It was a chance for us to expand our artistic circle.” Goldman added that “learning the academic and historical side of art at KSU was important. We needed to learn all the rules before we could decide if we wanted to break them.”
For more information about Atelier 43’s gallery displays, classes or other opportunities, please call Sarah Daly at 678-429-6292.