February 2019
Walton Art House at 800 N. Main (right down from the Breadboard) is a gallery created for independent, counter-culture artists. “The vision of Walton Art House is to create a destination for all those seeking awe, beauty, and good conversation,” says Lacey Walton, a glass artist who opened the gallery in May 2018 with her husband, Stephen, an art broker. “We hope to engage our community by bringing social awareness to the contemporary art of the counter-culture.”
The gallery spends about two weeks per month creating unique atmospheres, and installing and displaying the work of different artists for the First Friday showcases.
“Every month is something different,” says Stephen. “We host monthly events for the First Friday Art Walk and are only open for a few days each month. We want our patrons to see our revolving showcases with no pressure of sales. Everything is for sale, but that isn’t our mission; our mission is to inspire conversation and artistic dialogue with the community as well as to support artists by giving them a platform to show their works.”
Stephen was born and raised in Texas; he ran several galleries during a 10-year stint in Austin. Lacey, a borosilicate glass sculptor, is an Ashland native. They met and married while living in Evergreen, Colorado, but moved to Ashland when their son, Atlas, was born. It was here they decided to open the gallery they had always dreamed of—for Stephen, a space that wasn’t solely focused on retail sales, and for Lacey, a place where she could display and discuss her work.
Lacey’s work has earned growing recognition. She is thought by many to be one of the top ten creators in the field of borosilicate glass art, taking the medium to new limits with her massive sculptures. Last year at the Glass Vegas Expo in Las Vegas, she took first place in the solo artist category with her newest style of work, which she will premiere February 1st in Ashland.
At each first Friday event, customers get a chance to win art donated by the showcased artists. “Giving back to the community is just one way the gallery and artists can say thanks for supporting the arts,” Stephen says.
Between First Fridays, the gallery space can be rented for events. Walton Art House also offers consultation services for artists looking to expand their art and their brand, and provides brokerage services for patrons looking to sell owned art.
For more information, call 541-708-0501 or go to WaltonArtHouse.com. You can also follow them on Instagram @WaltonArtHouse or @LaceFaceGlass.
