Chole’s Art Gallery and Studio opens
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Family entrepreneurs, Chole Gillespie, Linda Dunlap and Jane Gillespie have opened Chole’s Art Gallery and Studio. Well-known artist Chole is teaming up with daughter, Linda and daughter-in-law Jane in the endeavor, which is located in the former Your Tot-Teen Shoppe location.
“It truly is a family affair.” said Dunlap. “We have painted together for years and recently started bringing in our grandchildren to paint with us. We just have a lot of fun.”
The vision of the trio is to showcase their family’s art in the first stage, and then to allow other local artists, instructors and students to exhibit. Classes will be available for aspiring artists of all ages running in six week sessions.
Chole started her painting career in the 60s and was a teacher at North Elementary and the first to teach by video in the county. She has studied at Tennessee Tech University with professor of art Trella Koczwara.
Linda’s first love was pottery, having taught the craft for about 12 years. Over the years her mother’s influence has drawn her more to painting and today she derives much joy from expressing herself on canvas. She is currently a teacher at West Elementary and is eager to teach children to paint.
Nashville resident, Jane Gillespie started out with watercolors and today specializes in portrait painting. She looks forward to her weekends of painting with the elder Gillespie.
The gallery will also feature woodland gathering baskets made by Nolberto Gillespie. The baskets are fashioned after the baskets made by the natives of the eastern forest of North America. Bark from the tulip poplar tree is intricately formed into different shapes.
Stained glass lessons and a show presenting the work of Brenda Reed will be coming up in the near future. The shop will be stocked with art supplies for the students and will grow as supply and demand builds.
Art classes offered are:
Basic oil painting — the first steps for adults on any skill level, including those with no prior knowledge. Classes will begin Aug. 26 and 27 and ending Sept. 29 and 30. Friday and Saturday classes in a variety of times are available and taught by Jane Gillespie and Linda Dunlap.
Basic color theory — Adult beginner’s course will study the hue, value and intensity of color through various painting projects. Classes will begin Aug. 25 through Sept. 28. The classes will be held on Thursday and taught by Tara Young.
Children’s Saturday art — Students will learn the basics of drawing and the use of acrylic paints. The focus for the first six weeks will be a community mural “Mainstreet.” All ages are invited to inquire, and classes will be formed as needed.
Dunlap can be reached at 473-6357 for more information and store hours.