by John Dowd
Following the closure of a longtime Stevensville Main Street business, River’s Mist, a new business has recently opened at the same location. However, dissuading any worries about the changeover, it will remain a place of art. After two months of renovations while hidden behind brown-paper covered windows, Jake’s Studio opened its doors March 1.
The new business will feature onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her work is grounded in the Sheridan-style of tooling which features variations on Western floral patterns. In addition to her leatherwork, Karen is also an accomplished woodworker, creating a variety of pieces from furniture to jewelry boxes. She prides herself that all her work is done by her own two hands, using no lasers or CNC machines.
In addition to the custom leatherwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring the work of more than a dozen local and regional artists. Many of these artists have not shown their work in the Bitterroot Valley before, so there should be a lot of interest in the new material. There are 16 artists in total so far, and the owners are always welcoming more. “We like all kinds of mediums,” said Lottermoser’s business partner, Suzette Smith.
Some of the artists displayed were previous participants in the former gallery, but the business plan has changed since Lottermoser and Smith took over the space. While RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the new studio will be a commission-based space for artists, who now rent the space and pay a percentage of their profit to the studio. Unlike River’s Mist, artists displayed at Jake’s Studio will not be required to spend any time working the studio space. In Lottermoser’s opinion, “That just takes that time away from them.” Jake’s Studio also does all the advertising, selling and more for the pieces displayed there.
Lottermoser and Smith encourage people to visit the studio, saying, “You can explore fascinating pen and ink animal illustrations, exquisite jewelry, gorgeous turned wooden bowls (with a twist), beautiful cyanographs and outstanding watercolor gallery wraps. This is just a snapshot of a few of the new artists inside of Jake’s Studio waiting for you. If you’re looking for amazing art, want to give your visitors or clients a taste of Montana or you need to pick up a unique gift, stop by Jake’s Studio!”
Lottermoser displayed her artwork in River’s Mist Studio for almost six years, showcasing her leatherwork. However, she always wanted a studio of her own. “It’s been my dream to have my own place to display my work,” said Lottermoser.
The namesake for the studio, Jake, was a beloved donkey her family got when Lottermoser was a teenager and the donkey was only seven months old. They had Jake for 22 years. Jake was like a family mascot, even used as such for Lottermoser’s parents’ restaurant business. “He was part of my growing up,” said Lottermoser.
Jake’s Studio is located at 317 Main Street in Stevensville. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Judy Arledge says
I plan to visit one day soon!