Port Huron, MI — Through the Cool Cities Initiative, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, James C. Acheson Foundation, Port Huron DDA, and the State of Michigan founded and created Studio 1219 in 2005. The studio started out as an art incubator and grew over the last 15 years to become the largest public art facility in the thumbcoast of Michigan.
Now, a local entrepreneur is buying the building and plans to continue the labor of love started by the founders. The gallery, featuring around 160 different Michigan artists and hosting art classes and workshops, may look a little different, but everyone is looking forward to the future.
“15 years after the opening of Studio 1219, we’re excited to see a for-profit business bring new potential to the building, help the Studio, and bring more foot traffic to the area,” said Donna Niester, President of the James C. Acheson Foundation.
Niester fondly remembers her role in the project which includes Port Huron being named a Cool City by Governor Jennifer Granholm. That designation led to the grant that funded Studio 1219 in 2005. Studio 1219 and Port Huron were one of 19 Michigan neighborhoods to receive catalyst grants issued across the state under the Cool Cities initiative. Today, at least seven of those grant-initiated programs are still vibrant and cool, including Studio 1219.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
