The Art of the Matter: Exploring Duncan & Greer

Duncan & Greer Art Studio and Gallery has been a lively addition to Newport, Tennessee, since its opening in August. Located on E. Broadway Street, its many offerings are funneling color and community into the picturesque downtown area.

The studio offers a large range of arts and crafts classes. Screen-printing, which is a stencil-based technique to apply a design to t-shirts, is a unique offering with many stencils to choose from. Painting parties and stained-glass workshops also happen in the studio, where patrons are walked through creating their artistic piece. Bats, mountain landscapes, butterflies and hummingbirds are only some of the stained-glass pieces offered for personalization.

Wood-kit decor building events take place, where seasonal and welcoming decor like highland cows with colorful leaves and brown bears with floating honeybees come in pieces, and customers experience watching their decoration come together in their own hands. Interesting, new events can be expected from the studio, like felting and after-school projects for students.

The gallery side of Duncan and Greer comes with its visually pleasing and inspiring art of local artists on display. From watercolor paintings and limited edition prints to modern wall art and mirrors, it is a sight that captures a sense of awe. The art is displayed along the walls and on tables in the gallery, lit naturally during the day by sunlight through large windows, highlighting the colors and textures.

Yoga is offered in the gallery, led by Willow Bradford. Yoga’s ancient practice is meant to help the doer find a sense of unity between the mind, body and soul. Bradford comes to Newport from Las Vegas and says she noticed a lack of yoga studios in the area and hopes it can further strengthen the tight mountain community’s bond.

The art studio and gallery are owned by Todd Caldwell. Caldwell is an artist himself, painting many abstract pieces and finding joy in stained glass. He is new to owning an art studio and gallery, but not the love it requires. Working an odd job many years ago, Caldwell sensed his love for art, and stained glass specifically. He held onto that love for many years, and as he puts it, “30 years later, here I am.”

The business held its grand opening on Aug. 21 and has held many colorful events since. The building has seen renovations and repairs, making it tasteful and ready for years of business to come. Duncan and Greer Art Studio and Gallery is located at 237 E Broadway St, Suite 5, 2nd level, Newport, TN 37821.