One-time Bunnell boarding house reborn as art venue
Salvo Art Project founder JJ Graham has been getting his house in order — his art house, that is.
Purchasing a space in the county seat of Bunnell in early 2017, Graham and his partner, artist Petra Iston, set about transforming the location on Moody Boulevard in Bunnell into a vibrant part of the county's arts community. They staged a "flash opening" for the public in mid-December.
The one-time boarding house in dire need of repair now has been transformed into the type of space that Graham and the artists with whom he collaborates can feel comfortable — a trend setting, welcoming environment in which to display the works of artists such as sculptor Marilyn Leverton, known for intricately crafted fine art pieces.
“I love playing with Marilyn’s sculptures all around the house,” Graham said. “She’s been with me for nine years now. We’re family, we’re all family here. Everybody here, no matter what level they are, we’re close. We learn from one another.”
Graham encourages first-timers to explore the winding two-story location. Each room’s vibe is a peek into the soul of the artist who inhabits the space, with no two exactly alike.
“It’s like a maze. I tell them to go get lost, they’ll find their way out eventually,” he said, smiling.
While the move to the new space has been a change for Graham and the eight resident artists, he said he’s seen an uplifting evolution to his own work over the past few months.
“Everything has an impact on my painting because I’m an intuitive painter," he said. "The environment always has an impact on the work and I think it’s become a lot brighter, colorful. You feel like you can really dive in a place and it’s been liberating.
“This is not a gallery, it’s a home for art. I had to find where the art lives and do it in a way that when people come in here they can imagine that it’s in their home, it’s inviting. When we did this flash opening, we had about 80 people come through. The thing I heard the most was that it’s such a good vibe.”
Motivated by the changes, Graham has continued to teach art classes for youth and adults, as have others, including Terri Reddington, whose studio overlooks the spacious front porch.
“I teach 5- to 8-year-olds and it’s really fun,” she said. “It’s everything because I love coming here, to be able to show the kids some things and to learn art and, in the meantime, I learn it too.”
An official grand opening is in the works for late January or early February. But for those who can’t wait to see what’s brewing at Salvo, tours are available by appointment Monday through Friday.
“The good thing is we own it," Graham said, "and, like a canvas, it’s a work in progress. I love my life, my friends here. It’s always been very organic. I think the people who are supposed to be here find their way here.”