Celebrating 10 Years at Art Up Front Street!

Ten incredible years since Art Up Front Street Studios & Gallery emerged as Exeter’s very first art studio collective—and what a beautiful journey it has been.

The vision started in March 2016 when Rose and Mal discovered a building that had played a vital role in Exeter's community for years. New Horizons Teen Center was thinking of selling their Exeter location. In September 2016, the space was sold to Art Up Front Street LLC. Through renovation and a shared creative spirit, it evolved into a vibrant hub for artists and the community alike. In January 2017, the first artists moved into their studios, and since then, the gallery has been alive with creativity and collaboration.

Anne Marie Kenny "Industrial Quilts" hanging her first art in the front gallery. Anne joined the collective in March 2017 ...right after she marched into the gallery with portfolio in hand and said "I need a studio!". 💛

Over the past decade, Art Up Front Street has hosted an inspiring range of events: art exhibitions, workshops, music performances, poetry readings, community gatherings, fundraisers, garden parties, and firepit chats. Along the way, incredible art has been made, lasting connections have formed, and a thriving creative community has taken root.

Gaby Grossman was the first person to say "yes" during planning stages! "Count me in whatever it is!" She was on board the day we drew up the plan in summer 2016. Rose and Gaby met outside Gerry's to discuss business (of course they did). 💛

But none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of friends, followers, collectors, and the community. A ten-year milestone is not achieved alone—it is built through shared enthusiasm, encouragement, and belief in the arts.

Deb Wheeler Bean, part of the core who said "yes" during the planning stages, (left, shown with her family) came into the studios in 2016 before walls were up, thoughtfully viewed the area, pointed to the left side and said "there, over there in that corner. I feel that is where I should work". Deb, always the intuitive :-) 💛

Our ten-year celebration begins with Art Up Front Street's “world famous” (wink wink) Spring Open Studios May 2+3, Saturday & Sunday 10-4.

What to expect:

• Specials in every studio

• A treasure hunt for gold tickets

• A collaborative community weaving table

• A few celebratory toasts throughout the weekend and maybe a walk or two down memory lane

• Fabulous art, light bites, and beverages

Today, we are home to five working studios and a bright, welcoming street-side gallery. Be wowed as you tour the creative spaces of:

• Anne Marie Kenny, Industrial Quilts

• Laura Harper Lake, Artful Harper Studios

• Natalie Eve Marquis, Natalie Marquis Art

• Ashley Hichborn, Folsom Artwork

• Rose Bryant, Original Paintings

Discover their newest creations—PLUS a few playful “specials” featuring a number-ten-theme in the price or offer. Hmmmm…what could that be about!

In addition to festivities at the gallery, Art Up Front Street is proud to be a part of Exeter’s town-wide Spring Art Walk organized by the Seacoast Artist Association.

--- 14 locations throughout town which includes several individual artists' studios off the beaten path that are not regularly open to the public! This partnership reflects the spirit of collaboration that has helped shape the local arts community—and continues to inspire it.

Save the date:

Art Up Front Street

SPRING OPEN STUDIOS

May 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday)

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day

Free street parking is available, along with additional parking in the back lot.

Dawn Amey, part of the core who said "yes" during the planning stages was one of first artists moving into the studios in January 2017. She created stunning laser cut designs and loved making the front gallery an amazing place for visitors to sit by creating beautiful refurbished seating from side-of-the-road finds.💛

More details and photos of years past will be shared on social media —but for now, mark your calendars. This is a celebration ten years in the making, and everyone is invited.

We can’t wait to see you!

Thank you for being part of our orbit—your support and encouragement are the reason we are here.