Rob Pulleyn, owner/tenant of Marshall High Studios, talks about Gin and Tonics on the Deck

Gin & Tonics, never one of my favorite drinks, but I certainly see how scheduling a G&T evening on the deck at Marshall High Studios can build a sense of community among tenant partners.

Last week I had the pleasure of a Rob Pulleyn-guided tour of MHS, an historically renovated high school now creative suites on that island in Marshall.  Artist and business person Rob Pulleyn saw this as a way to give back to the community and artists looking for a place to work, but more so belong and feel inspired.

I went up to MHS with Russ Towers to pick Rob’s brain about what has worked and what hasn’t in terms of building a creative, communal business space, as we secure intention behind the Glen Rock Depot development in the River Arts District in Asheville.

While Russ was collecting very important leasing and logistics information (and enjoying Rob’s stories as much as I), I was fascinated with Rob’s innate instincts around what it means to collaborate, to share space, to support each other creatively, and to provide enough structure and space for this to happen naturally.

A couple of artists were around and graciously welcomed us into their studios.  Emily Reason, ceramicist, was one of them.  And, I believe that Heather is the name of the wonderful textile artist who showed us her lovely studio and gave her thoughts on being part of the MHS community.  “Heather” please post a comment here with how people can get a hold of you.  My apologies for not getting all your info.

There is one musician and his music drifts through the hallways and other tenants love it.  He checks in with the other tenants monthly to make sure that he is not bothering anyone.  Together, tenants build in monthly opportunities to hang out, i.e. Gin and Tonics on the Deck, and use any limited money raised from renting out the large gathering space to fund things like a gas grill on the back deck.

Though he doesn’t like the idea of being a “landlord,” he says, Rob does believe in having regular conversations about the shared space (he calls them: “Rob’s Rants”).

Arts Create Community.  Community Creates Arts.  Arts and Community Create Economic Development.  Many thanks, Rob.

Community Gathering Space

Rob's Studio

View of outdoor kiln from Courtney Martin's Studio

Textile Studio