The Farmington train depot has a rich history. It is now home to . Owned and staffed by 14 local artists, the gallery exhibits paintings, sculpture, folk art, ceramics, fine furniture and more, according to the business' website.
The gallery also hosts special events, like the Depot Holiday Festival coming up on December 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In October there was a Festiboo, complete with haunted hayrides. And
We talked with the co-op to learn more about the business.
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Patch: When did you start your business?
FDG: Farmington Depot Gallery opened its doors to the public in September 2010. A group of local artists using the tagline “fine, folk, craft” learned that the old historic Depot building was available for rent and decided it would be an ideal location to promote local arts and artists in the area.
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Patch: Why this particular business?
FDG: The wide variety of talent that makes up the gallery is incredible. We have painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, fabric, woodwork, photography and folk art. The gallery is manned by the gallery members themselves so patrons can meet the artists that are doing the work. The location is beautiful. The old train depot has such a varied past and is an historic landmark in it’s own right.
Patch: What is your favorite thing about your business?
FDG: The gallery gives the member artists a chance to interact in a friendly cooperative environment. We have festivals four times a year to bring the community together.
Patch: What is the most challenging thing about running a business?
FDG: As in any co-op, getting a group of creative individuals to agree on everything is challenging!
Patch: What are your long-term goals for your business?
FDG: We hope to establish the gallery as a place to go to see what creative minds we have in the area. Our location at the intersection of Salem Road and Hwy. 441 gives tourists traveling through a place to stop and enjoy what we have available in Oconee County.
Patch: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a new business in Oconee County?
FDG: Starting a new business is a challenge anywhere. You must realize that it won’t be an overnight success, and you need to love and believe in what you are doing. Surround yourself with good talented people. Oconee County is a very supporting area for the arts because of the people and publications like yours that believe in growing local businesses help the area in general.
Check out the website to see what other exciting plans in the works.Find Farmington Depot Gallery on Facebook, too!