Studio 1219 - where the fun is

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Randy Maiers

Back in 2003 the Community Foundation, Acheson Foundation, the Port Huron DDA, and a loose coaltion of artists and creative spirits recognized a gap in the cultural landscape.  There was no “home” for the art community where they could be with other artists, hang out, expand their talent, sell their work and be a part of the downtown atmosphere. 

What is now well known as Studio 1219 became the answer.  We originally tried to purchase a building down in the City’s small warehouse district, just to the immediate north east of where the Studio is now.  When that deal fell through we picked up the old UFO building…Used Furniture Outlet.  With a grant from the State through the Cool Cities Initiative and some signficant financial support from the Acheson Foundation, Studio 1219 was born.

The Studio opened in October of 2005.  Now, October of 2009, the Studio is well on its way to independence.  With a new full-time Executive Director in place (Lee-Perry Belleau) last night’s hugely successful “Bra Finale” for the Art of Being a Woman, was probably the biggest event/party the Studio has ever thrown.  The proceeds from last night will be equally split between the Studio and a breast cancer fund here at the Foundation created by the Studio to help support uninsured and underinsured women facing breast cancer. 

Last night’s event was a prime example of what Studio 1219 has become———an artistic centerpiece in the Blue Water Region that combines art, music, entertainment, the business community, philanthropic community….and even firefighters from Port Huron and Marysville!

By early 2010 the Studio will complete its transition out from under the corporate umbrella of our Community Foundation….it will have its own board and staff who will forge the future of the Studio independently.  We couldn’t be more proud of our “child” than we are today.  Studio 1219 is entering its prime and the whole region will benefit.