Visit Ellie Harold's Studio & Gallery!
The colorful 1895 Victorian at 402 Forest Avenue (corner of Forest Ave. and 4th Street) in Frankfort, MI plays an integral part in the creation of Ellie's artwork. She discovered the house in 2008 on her first painting trip to the area from her home in Atlanta, GA. When one day proved too cold and rainy to work, she called a local realtor. She had no serious intention to buy a house but was interested to see what was on the market. After touring 4 or 5 properties, the realtor was driving her back to "The Artful Lodger," the rental cottage where Ellie was staying when she noticed a Foreclosure/For Sale sign in the yard of the house next door to the cottage.
"That sign wasn't there when I came to pick you up!" she exclaimed. The listing agent had not yet returned to her office when the realtor called to get the lock box code. Once inside, Ellie spied an unfinished attic space on the second floor. "That's my studio! she declared. Photos were taken and emailed to Roo, Ellie's husband, who agreed they should make an offer. The realtor has suggested that only a "few cosmetic upgrades would be required;" however, (to Roo's chagrin) the house really needed a complete renovation. In April, 2012, Ellie and Roo moved in and that summer, her Studio & Gallery opened.
A brick path from 4th street leads to the public entrance to the Studio & Gallery which showcases samples of her regional landscape, still life, abstract oil paintings, as well as note cards, calendars and books that are also available for purchase. A visit to the Studio & Gallery offers you the opportunity to meet the artist and see her work space. As a bonus, viewing the art in an attractive home setting may also give you design ideas for your own home.
Hundreds of visitors from all over the world have enjoyed this unique art venue—you're very welcome to stop by too! Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the Studio & Gallery are open most days between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Look for the "Open" sign by the brick path. If you'd like to call ahead for an appointment, that's great: 231 352 6213. Or take a chance and just turn up. For more details, see below for TripAdvisor reviews.
