Artlink Stories
Photo by Ellen Mensch | Artlink
Erin Patton-McFarren
Artist, Art Educator & 2021 Member’s Showcase Solo Exhibition Award
Primary Medium: Cyanotype
Exhibiting at Artlink allowed me to showcase large works and display them in a way to communicate with one another to envelop the viewer in blue and natural light.
“Natural Histories” included nearly 40 cyanotypes created in local waterways and those along my travels. The creative community of Fort Wayne was beautifully supportive on the opening night and throughout the exhibition.
An accompanying workshop on cyanotypes brought creatives of all kinds together to experiment and play with flora and sunlight to create their own works of art. The excitement of creating was palpable! The workshop group was made of friends, a family activity, artists, and those curious about the process. I am grateful for such an opportunity - the whole experience informed my creative process and vision.
Photo provided by Joanne Schultz
Joanne Schultz
After moving from Long Island New York, where modeling opportunities were plentiful; I found a home at Artlink in 1991. I have found that the studio setting is always warm and welcoming. From the staff to the artists, the people have all been professional and dedicated to providing just the right environment for creativity to blossom. I model here because I love to be a part of that creative process, and also feel very much a part of the Artlink community. Come down and use this wonderful facility and enjoy the company of fellow artists... You won't be disappointed!!
Artlink Figure Drawing Model & Member
Primary Medium: Photography
Photo by Bambi Guthrie | @bambiguthriephoto | Artlink
Tom Hirata
2022 Artlink Curated Shop Artist & Member
Primary Medium: Woodworking
I had a wonderful experience (at the Artlink Markets and Curated Shop). Everyone was very welcoming, and I got help with pricing. The sales were excellent. They did an excellent job with the display, and everyone was so accommodating with replacing inventory. I appreciated their efforts and hard work. This is a great opportunity!
Photo provided by Hannah Burnworth
Hannah Burnworth
Artist, Artlink Artist Panel Member & Recipient of 2022 Member Showcase Solo Exhibition Award
Primary Medium: Paper Craft
Artlink is a gallery truly accessible to everyone. The show variety and breadth of national and community connections stand out among galleries I've worked with. Workshops offered through educational programming are fresh and diverse. It has been fun to make the gallery space a classroom and participate with the community in learning. I am also honored to serve on the artist panel. It is filled with individuals who are dedicated to bringing beautiful, innovative, and inclusive shows into the space, for the Fort Wayne community and beyond.
Photo by Jen Brown | Artlink
Judy Wintin
Artlink Figure Drawing Artist, Artlink Member & Volunteer
Primary Medium: Painting & Drawing
I love the long pose figure drawing sessions! They’re well-run and have great models. Ben (Figure Drawing Moderator) welcomes our input regarding poses, lighting, and music. The artists who come to draw or paint span an age range of 50 or so years, have different types of art experience, and work in different media and styles - it’s a great way to meet other artists and discover new things to try!
Photo by Bambi Guthrie | @bambiguthriephoto | Artlink
Steve Smith
Owner of 4 Corners Gallery Studio & Pottery, Ceramist, & Artlink Market Vendor
Primary Medium: Ceramics
I first became aware of Artlink in the mid to late 70s when I was part of a three-man show with two other grad students from Bowling Green. This exhibition was at the old Broadway location shared with the Dance Collective. After I started Teaching at Defiance College, I became more active in exhibitions. The staff, Betty Fishman and Suzanne Galazka, who were always friendly, offered good suggestions for other area exhibitions and Artlink’s always expanding programs. Now, I’m a regular exhibitor in the Member’s Showcase, Area Artist Exhibitions, and most recently, the Taste of the Arts and Holiday Markets. Other wonderful experiences at Artlink are the opening and closing receptions and reconnecting with old friends from where I spent my freshman year in the 70/71 school year at the Ft Wayne Art Institute. And I always enjoy meeting the new and growing staff, and their encouragement of the ever-growing batch of new, younger artists.