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A mystical place on Main Street
On the other hand, sometimes details fall into place at just the right time and the dreamer is afforded the opportunity to do exactly what they wanted to do. Delphi resident Carol Dickman had a dream about creating an environment where artists could work and where community members could drop by for a comforting cup of coffee or tea. Visitors would be able to enjoy a sweet treat and soothing music with their drink, while the sound of a water fountain in the background soothes their psyches. They would be exposed to the work of the resident and other community artists as a bonus. After years of planning, hoping and letting all things gel, Dickman was able to experience success for her vision. She opened a gallery Nov. 18 on Main Street in Delphi, across from the courthouse. It hosts an art studio to accommodate work-space for herself and other artists, plus spaces for art classes. The Secret Garden Studio at 118 West Main St. takes its name from the well-known book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story is about a garden abandoned by the owners. The garden was found by three children who worked to bring it back to its original glory. Dickman wanted to send the message that restoring original glory can be done with a community, a town or a building. She said it was what she did to ready her vision for the grand opening. It is her wish others in the community will be inspired to tackle similar projects for the betterment of the community. Dickman said the studio and gallery are a way "to embrace as much of the arts in the community as possible." Local artists such as John Meador, Dennis Wischmeir, Tammy McCain, Sharon "Sugar" Case, Carol Oliver, Terry Lay and Dickman herself have their work showing in the gallery. The sense of what she has accomplished goes deeper. According to Dickman the space is more than just a gallery. She explained she always envisioned providing the kind of environment she has now developed. "A dream brought me here," she said. "Art has a way of grabbing people's souls. I wanted to create a place for people where, when the front door shuts behind them, their world goes away while they are here." "When people are drawn to art, there's a reason," she continued. "In doing this, I am fulfilling my purpose. I am able to be myself here and other people can do the same thing here." "I just want to remind people of who they are," Dickman concluded. "I want people to be able to let down their defenses - to be able to work together. This is a personal environment because I am a personal person. I am passionate." The store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and Wednesdays at the same times through the holiday season. The studio's e-mail address is www. t h e s e c r e t g a r d e n s t u - dio@verizon.net |
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