About Us

17th Avenue Studios opened in 2000 as work space for 10 area artists. Thanks to the vision of owner Ronna Schulkin, some 35 artists who are accomplished painters, drawers, printmakers, potters, wood carvers, glass artists, illustrators, assemblage, mixed media and wax artists rent work space at what has come to be known as "17th."

The Main Building

The main building of 17th Avenue Studios was previously an auto parts warehouse and grainery. Schulkin had been a member of River Street Studios, which closed in 1999, and began to search for a space to be shared by a group of artists. She found the space at 17th for the simple reason that she took her ancient Volvo to be repaired at Specialized, the previous tenant. She and Fanne Fernow, an early organizer in the venture, invited artists to come to the cavernous old space, much of which was covered in automotive oil and grain dust, build work spaces and be part of the community. The original members were Fanne Fernow, Jane Harlow, Joan Blackmer, Deborah Eddy, Diane Grunes, Mary Weeks, Kathryn Stowell, Judy Maxfield and Beth Shields.

The Quonset Hut

In 2001, a fire in a neighboring cabinet shop burned half of the original building which was rebuilt the following year. It was then that Schulkin began to create the spaces and let the community grow. The Quonset Hut was added in 2001 and then the Front Building was added in 2006.

The Front Building

17th Avenue has become a popular stop on the annual Open Studios Art Tour and hosts numerous studio shows throughout the year. In addition, artists share support, critique, friendship, inspiration, and career advice . 17th Avenue Studios is much more than real estate for artists—it is a community.