Discovering Heirloom Art Studio
Downtown Madison Art Studio
Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program
Heirloom Art Studio, 423 W. Main St., is more than just an art gallery.
While it is both studio and gallery for artist Kathryn Rutherford, it is also a unique gift shop. “Not everyone wants a painting,” says Kathryn. At this time of year, she offers 50% off on such items as:
Jewelry, mousepads and mugs
Madison souvenirs
Kites and games
Greeting cards
Quilts and screen-printed quilt fabric
Nevertheless, Kathryn’s creative output is the main event. Her unmistakable and incredibly detailed paintings line the walls of the 1840-era Federal style building she purchased in 2022. Kathryn can often be found painting in the front window, drawing guests into her workspace.
What do they see? “First of all, they see where all the magic takes place – the studio, the print shop, the computers for teaching.
“It’s unique! It’s not your average art gallery,” says Kathryn.
Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program
Her paintings often feature half-transparent images of spirits alongside portraits of living people. She calls them “Spirit Paintings.” They tell the stories of contemporary or historical people who lives have been influenced by those who have gone before.
Many people ask her about ghosts, since she lives and works in the former Lytle Funeral Home. She might also be expected to feel the spirits of previous occupants of her building such as artist William McKendree Snyder or writer Edward Eggleston. So does she believe her building has ghosts?
“Yes, absolutely,” she responds. “I haven’t seen any myself, but two mediums have been in here at different times and they both saw the same thing – a Victorian man coming down the central staircase and a woman going up.”
“I don’t see any of these things. The paintings are my imagination,” she adds. There is a demand in her clientele, though, for painted representations of absent family members and lost pets. Kathryn is happy to oblige. Commissioned portraits are a large part of her business. “Last week, everybody who walked in wanted a dog portrait,” she notes wryly.
Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program
In addition, she paints familiar Madison sites, such as the Broadway Fountain, and creates hydroplane pictures each year in tribute to the Madison Regatta. Kathryn grew up watching hydroplane racing on the Detroit River, near her home in Windsor, Ontario.
Kathryn is also skilled in photo restoration and repair. She invented two processes for saving fading pictures and restoring tintypes, earning her awards from both Kodak and Fujifilm. Her reputation in the photographic restoration field is international.
Website sales and online teaching are another facet of her business. Those interested can find her at www.heirloomartstudio.com. Artists looking for tips on such topics as “How to Paint Shiny Objects” can check out her YouTube channel, Kathryn Rutherford – Fine Artist.
Kathyrn’s husband Greg Rutherford is also a creative. He repairs guitars, makes Nantucket baskets and turns wood, in addition to other talents. They have worked together on the restoration of their building, which continues.
Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program
A trip to Heirloom Art Studio is more than just a peak at a local artist’s work, and it’s more than just Christmas shopping. It’s an opportunity to talk personally with one of Madison’s most creative residents. Heirloom Art Studio is definitely worth a stop. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, year round. The phone number is 812-292-9499.
Stay Connected! Follow Heirloom Art Studio on Social Media:
Facebook: Kathryn Rutherford Fine Artist-Heirloom Art Studio
Email: artist@heirloomartstudio.com
Phone: (812) 292-9499
Location: 423 W Main Street
We can't wait to see you in downtown Madison!
Written By:
Laura Hodges
Board Secretary
Madison Main Street Program
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