Framing the Future: The Art Lounge's New Gallery Location
The Art Lounge reopened their brand-new gallery and framing studio location on February 8th, and InTheBurg got a first glance at the art-filled shop! Take a peek inside with us!
You can't miss the powder blue building, conveniently located at 1410 Skylyn Dr, with nearly twice the gallery and workshop space as their previous building. But, if you think the outside is colorful, just wait until you step through the sun-filled doors.
Inside, nearly every inch of the open gallery room is filled with canvases, sculptures, functional creations, jewelry, and whimsical gifts. Shop from dozens of local and national artists' work, gather on the couch with artists at an ArtWalk event, sit for a framing consultation, or try your hand at the nationally famous Art-O-Mat machine.
Along the back wall, a massive work counter is framed by moving doors filled with wooden frame samples of every color and texture imaginable. In the rear half of the building stretches the framing workshop, for custom projects of all sizes and formats.
The Art Lounge specializes in custom framing, with acid-free, hand-built wood moulding, for projects such as oils on canvas, sports jerseys, matted watercolor paintings and prints, wedding items, sports memorabilia, diplomas, guns, and more. They even build custom mirrors and shadow boxes. One of the most unique items? Part of a go-kart!
Probably the most popular attraction at The Art Lounge is its interactive Art-O-Mat machine. Made out of vintage cigarette dispensers and filled with miniature art from all over the United States, Art-O-Mat is a national program with over 170 locations; The Art Lounge is home to the only Art-O-Mat in South Carolina.
When cigarette machines began to be banned, Winston-Salem artist, Clark Wittington, began a one-man art show re-purposing the vending machines with miniature art. The artists offered in each machine rotates regularly. A token is $5, with your choice of art to dispense. (We tried our hand at the experience, and received a miniature plant painting made by Sara Walsh in Dayton, Ohio. Other current selections included mini-notebooks, matchbox mementos, ceramic miniatures by Spartanburg artist Joan Wheatley, and more.)
See more of the vintage Art-O-Mat machines and their locations here.
Need more encouragement to check this cool place out? The Art Lounge won Stihl's 2019 Indie Small Business of the Year! Brandi Dice opened The Art Lounge's original location in October 2011, at 500 East Main St in Downtown Spartanburg, nearly a decade ago.
"I was working at The Frame Up for about 7 years, when Millie (the owner) decided to retire, I went off on my own," Dice said. "We are excited for people to come by and see the new space. It’s been a long journey getting things ready. We are able to serve our clients better having more space to work on projects and offer more choices in framing and home decor items. Sometimes you can stop in and find our fun, little friend, Buddy. He’s my terrier, and loves to greet our clients. Be on the lookout this summer for some fun murals and other works of art around the outside of the store. Things are always changing at The Art Lounge, so make sure to stop in frequently and see all the cool stuff."
Visit The Art Lounge at 1410 Skylyn Drive: 10am-5pm Monday through Thursday, 10am-4pm Friday, and Saturday by appointment. Follow their Facebook and Instagram to see new art when it arrives at the gallery.