The arts were on tap at Walking Tree Brewery at a “Have One on Us” event Saturday evening, which was aimed at brewing up interest in Stouthouse and its mission to provide an expanded artists’ residency in the home, preserve its stained-glass installations and enhance community diversity through arts and culture.
“Stouthouse invited guests to have one on us at Walking Tree Brewery,” said Quentin Walter, artistic director of the nonprofit. “We’re trying to raise awareness and educate people that Stouthouse is not a brewery.”
Guests sampled glasses of stout, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, purchased chances for a 50/50 raffle and bid on items offered in the silent auction, including tickets to Riverside’s upcoming production of Chicago, artwork, wines and jewelry. Added into the mix were an art exhibit by recent artist in residence Kyle Baker, music by Geoffrey Myers, Lava Action and belly dancer Norma Barbee.
Weldon Stout, a professional stained-glass artist and Walter’s late husband, designed the house and the future plans for a proposed expansion before his death in 2013. He envisioned a quiet retreat where artists could create in a nurturing environment, unencumbered by the worries of maintaining a roof over their heads.
The home features six of Stout’s custom stained glass works as well as the Seth Thelonious Alvin Foster Art Collection, featuring the works of more than 130 fine artists collected by Walter. Pieces include oils, pastels, photographs, fiber art, costumes, ceramics and sculptures by contemporary artists.
To date, the studio, whose use is by invitation only, has provided a creative haven for a musician, a writer and an artist. Artists are asked to stay at least six months to allow time for growth, but the number in residence at any given time will never exceed four. The goal is to provide ample space for artists to contemplate their craft in solitude, experiment in new directions and complete major artistic projects.
Plans are in place to add a 3,800-square-foot, three-story sustainable art studio to Stouthouse, which is located on a secluded one-acre piece of property. It provides just the right amount of privacy among native vegetation to allow fellow artists to focus on their work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Stouthouse will be open on Feb. 11 during the Sebastian Art Studio Tour.
