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By Gabriella Souza The Virginian-Pilot June 2, 2012 MANTEO, N.C. Lorri Chambers gazed at the blue-gabled buildings, one with asignature clock tower, each day on the bus route she drove fromManteo Elementary School. For more than four years, the space that once held the brewery andrestaurant The Weeping Radish on U.S. 64 in Manteo remained empty. "It was just sad sitting there," Chambers said. But she had an idea. Along with her gig as a bus driver, Chambersis an artist, specializing in jewelry and fiber art. She'd dreamedof starting an artists' cooperative, modeled after the TorpedoFactory, an art center with studio space and classrooms in her hometown of Alexandria, Va. In March, she rented the property, started renovations, and turnedit into the co-op she calls The Art Village. She'd planned to open the building today for the annual festivalDare Days, but a glitch over permitting means she will only havevendors outside. She hopes to open the building soon. Chambers' mission is to provide artists with studio space and aplace to showcase their work while offering classes that expose thepublic to art. She said she most wants to work with "greenartists," people who love to create, but don't necessarilyrealize their ability yet. "We want to work with them, mentor them until they build upthat self esteem," she said. Recruiting artists to fulfill her dream will be an undertaking. Shewould like to have 50, but so far she has 12 signed up to showtheir work. Susan Bernard, the executive director of the d'ART Center inNorfolk, said it takes a while to get artist communities off theground. "You have to educate not only the public but theartists," Bernard said. "Most artists are not used toworking with people looking over their shoulders." She urged Chambers to hang in there, promising that once artistsstart working together, it stimulates creativity and brings about awonderful dynamic. And she applauded the effort. "Art education is something that goes unpraised," shesaid. "Things we learn about art spill over into every part ofour lives." Gabriella Souza, 252-441-1711, gabriella.souza@pilotonline.com. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as China Feed Mixing Machine , Pellet Screener Manufacturer, and more. For more , please visit Feed Extruder today!
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