Lexington, KY - In economic times that require a creative approach to business, the Fieldstone Group hopes to have come up with a winning formula. Their newly opened location on Kentucky Avenue has a unique take on "one-stop shopping."
Using an innovative approach and pooling her resources, Julie Reed, owner of the Fieldstone Group, has opened what she is calling a "creative shared space." The Fieldstone Group offers businesses and services in public relations, advertising, event management, voice-over talent, real estate, and an art gallery featuring the work of several local artists - all housed in a sunny, attractive office suite.
Each business helps market the other as every client that visits the office gets a peek at each of the diverse services offered and in addition, clients have the opportunity to browse the art gallery and become potential art buyers. Reed explains, "My partner, Karl Burger and I were looking for office space for our real estate work and I wanted to find space for the PR and event work I do. We saw this space and it was perfect to accommodate all the businesses and services I want to offer. We realized a shared space was a great idea. We noticed the front room had this amazing light and we thought adding an art gallery would be perfect. We love featuring local artists, many of whom are friends. It is such a joy to work surrounded by all this beautiful art. People have responded very positively so far."
An additional feature of the creative shared space is an adorable mixed breed pound puppy named Sugar who comes to work with Reed most days and is the official greeter. Sugar likes to stretch out in a warm sunbeam, keeping one sleepy eye open, ready to welcome the next person to come through the door.
One step inside the door and you get a glimpse of the wide variety of art in diverse styles and mediums that fill the walls, display cases and counters throughout the gallery. Reed represents a dozen local artists offering work from carved cow skulls by Caitlin Fowler and artist Lynn Sweet's sleek, one- of-a-kind art desk, to a handsome, contemporary metal bench by Lexington artist, Gordon Gildersleeve. Delicate, intricately cut paper pieces by Gordon Brown are framed on one wall and Jennifer Lackey's luminous jewelry pieces are housed in a glass case, begging to be tried on and admired in a mirror. Surrealist work by both Jimmy Gordon and Linda Hisle are also featured, among other artists.
In addition Reed has an impressive collection of Victorian-era art glass, a long-time interest for her and a collection of rugs. "We plan to change it up in the gallery," explains Reed. "We want people to see different things when they come in. Our roster will change from time to time. We want to celebrate these artists so we will participate in Gallery Hops and have receptions with artist meet-and-greets. Our next show in January is a photography show I am very excited about. "
The Fieldstone Group offices have a beautiful view of Woodland Park and great neighbors like Decoratifs and Mary Jane Knuckols Interiors who have welcomed Reed to the Woodland Triangle neighborhood, a growing area of unique businesses in Lexington.
The Fieldstone Group and Fieldstone Gallery are located at 193 Kentucky Avenue. They are open for business Tuesday through Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday 11am through 5pm.